Bottle Works, a highly sustainable, best-in-class office scheme under development in the heart of Guildford, has attracted three occupiers at market-leading rents and is 60% let ahead of completion.
Tenancy deals have been signed with three high-profile businesses in the region for the development by Kingsbridge. All will move in this year once the development is completed and following tenant fit outs.
Occupiers will benefit from high quality facilities including a business lounge, concierge, fibre connectivity, energy efficient ventilation, low energy lighting with optimum use of natural light, electric vehicle charging points, showers, and secure cycle storage.
Bottle Works, in Stoke Road with a total of 41,500 sq ft across six suites, is designed to meet the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standard for sustainability, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) A rating and a two-star rating from Fitwel for building health.
One of the first tenants to sign up is Oktra South, a leading workplace design and build company working with tenants, landlords, serviced office providers, higher education, and life sciences to deliver future-facing environments.
Mike Murray, Managing Director, said the Oktra South team would design and fit out the new suite at Bottle Works ahead of its 30-strong team moving in, and the space would include client meeting areas and an area to showcase designs and furniture.
He added: “It was a natural next step for our expanding team to move to Grade A offices in Guildford. Bottle Works aligns perfectly with our own values with highly sustainable and energy-efficient amenities and facilities. This move will fuel our next stage of progression as a regional leader in office design and fit out across a wide range of sectors, and notably in Guildford’s thriving gaming sector.”
Rachel Lacklison, Asset Manager at Kingsbridge, said: “We are excited to welcome some high calibre businesses to Bottle Works, all of whom wanted to remain in Guildford and were committed to upgrading to quality office space in the local area.
“Bottle Works represents a genuine step change in the Guildford office market, as reflected in the rents we have secured, and it is rewarding to work with businesses to help them achieve their occupational aspirations for exceptional and sustainable workspaces. We look forward to welcoming all of our occupiers to Bottle Works when it opens its doors this Spring.”
The name Bottle Works comes from the site’s history as a Unigate milk bottling depot in the 1970s. The development is designed by architect Hale Brown Architects to combine the historical character of the original structures with modern and flexible architecture.
The building enjoys easy access to amenities including cafes, bars and restaurants, and is well connected for transport – adjacent to the A3, close to the M3 and M25, with good railway links and in easy reach of Gatwick and Heathrow airports.
Following the recent lettings only three office suites remain: of 4,284 sq ft, 8,977 sq ft, and 1,399 sq ft.
Bottle Works has been managed by Cumming Group on behalf of Kingsbridge, and constructed by Area. DTRE and BNP Paribas are joint letting agents and advised Kingsbridge on the letting deals.
Hannah Davies, Associate Partner at DTRE, said: “The strong interest already shown in Bottle Works ahead of its completion is indicative of the ongoing, pressing demand for superior, sustainable offices across the UK. The quality spec and location of Bottle Works will no doubt continue to attract interest from potential occupiers in Guildford and beyond.”
