Former Royal Mail site set for transformation
AMBITIOUS plans to transform an empty landmark building in the centre of Newport into a new funky designed office scheme can be revealed.
The early stage plans from property development firm Garrison Barclay Estates would transform the former Royal Mail building at Mill Street in the centre of Newport into a thriving new commercial centre – offering flexible leases to attract the city’s growing number of ambitious start-up firms.
The developer said it would also offer larger spaces for businesses wanting high end offices that “break from the traditional feel.”
The city is also home to the Alacrity Foundation graduate entrepreneurship project, which is also adding to the city’s new wave of start-up businesses.
The project, if realised, would help address the current shortage of office space in the centre of Newport – particularly offering high quality flexible lease space for indigenous and start-up firms.
Garrison Barclay Estates recently acquired the former Royal Mail building – which extends to 50,000 sq ft – from engineering firm Industrial Automation and Control Ltd.
While a number of other redevelopment projects, such as residential, are being considered, an office development is the firm’s favoured option.
Cardiff-based Garrison Barclay Estates, which has office, residential and industrial interests across south Wales, is currently in early stage discussions with both Newport Council and the Welsh Government over its plans for the building – ahead of any planning application being submitted.
And Cardiff-based Rio Architects have come with an innovative open space design concept for the building.
Chief executive of Garrison Barclay Estates, Andrew McCarthy said: “We believe, that as part of the ongoing growth of Newport, it needs a landmark building – which this project would deliver.
“It is also the first building that passengers see when trains on the Great Western Mainline from London to south Wales arrive at Newport train station.
“So this represents a fantastic opportunity for us to do something special.”
He added: “There is also a lack of available quality office space in Newport that offers the flexibility that our scheme would provide.
“And its close proximity to the railway station makes it an equally important development in the context of the wider Cardiff Capital Region and its £1.2bn City Deal.”
Last month the firm acquired a row of terraced properties in the centre of Cardiff in a multi-million pound deal.
It Landore Court, which extends from 47-53 Charles Street, in an off-market property investment deal.
Built in the 1990s Landore Court is a detached block of four selfcontained office properties.
The row of buildings, which extend to just under 22,000 sq ft, were acquired from Americanowned property investment firm Citruz.
Tenants include Careers Wales and law firm Slater and Gordon. Landore Court has 32 car park spaces.