Nottingham-based Clegg Construction has started work on a multi-million pound landmark office development in Derby city centre that will be one of the greenest buildings of its kind in the area.
Clegg Construction was appointed by developer Lowbridge to build the first phase of the development on the much heralded Friar Gate Square, part of the historic conservation area, which has been supported by regeneration funding.
The scheme will deliver significant economic and environmental benefits to Derby and will be the first high quality speculative office development delivered in the city in the last 20 years.
The development will be built to meet the BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) rating and will be a really energy efficient building with a number of green features, said Simon Blackburn, MD of Clegg Construction.
He said: “Key features of the build will include photovoltaic panels which will provide a significant amount of electricity recovery. Over all, this will be a striking, modern office building which will enhance Derby’s business quarter.”
Clegg Construction has long experience of delivering projects which meet the demands of BREEAM’s Excellent rating through landmark schemes for prestige clients like The University of Nottingham, the Environment Agency and Cambridgeshire County Council.
Mr Blackburn added: “This is a major scheme, not just for Derby but for the East Midlands as a whole. A project of this calibre is also a testament to our own track record of delivering large-scale projects of this kind. This is a catalyst project for the city of Derby and Clegg Construction is pleased to be involved and helping drive the East Midlands forward as a key place to do business.
“It is not just a much needed office centre for Derby, but it will bring local employment to the area during the build. A number of local contractors are involved in phase one which is good for Derby, and the East Midlands.”
Roger Shine, chairman of Lowbridge said, “I am delighted that our further investment in Derby, together with funding from Derby City Council’s Regeneration Fund will now bring to fruition the exciting development at Friar Gate Square. These new office buildings will help to re-establish this historic quarter as the premier location for businesses in Derby. Derby is an ambitious, exciting and cosmopolitan city and I have been impressed by the desire and ability of its forward thinking chief executive and council members who want to compete not just regionally, but on a national and international stage”.
Friar Gate Square will include a landmark two phase office development, with Phase One providing 2,995 sq.m (32,000 sq.ft) of flexible, contemporary office accommodation over six storeys. Friar Gate Square Phase Two will follow after the successful letting of Phase One.
Construction started on 13 February 2012 with completion of Phase One scheduled for January 2013.
