Appetite for top-quality office space still strong
AMBER Energy is the latest tenant at Wales’ flagship office building. Savills has let 3,750 sq ft of office space at One Central Square in the centre of Cardiff – a building which was recently acquired by pan-European investment firm Aerium – to the energy efficiency and management company
It has agreed to take part of the eighth floor on a new 10-year lease at a rent of £25 a sq ft.
One Central Square is the first building to be completed in the new Central Square development and provides over 130,000 sq ft (12,077 sq m) of Grade A office space in the heart of Cardiff. Other occupiers in the building include MotoNovo Finance and Hodge Bank.
Nick Proctor, MD of Amber Energy, said: It’s exciting to be right in the heart of the city and our staff and clients will be able to thrive in this new space. We look forward to further growth and new clients in the years to come.”
Gary Carver, director in the business space team at Savills Cardiff, said: “Amber Energy’s move to One Central Square demonstrates the continued appetite for high-quality office space in Cardiff. Occupying the premier business location in the city, the building offers high-quality Grade A accommodation including a feature reception, dedicated building cafe and meeting space, showers, and excellent views of the city and Cardiff Bay.”
Meanwhile, educational charity Techniquest has signed up its first tenant, Do IT Solutions.
The science discovery centre, based in Cardiff Bay, has secured the local start-up firm to its building in Mermaid Quay.
Do-IT Solutions is a specialist company providing online assessment and monitoring for individuals overcoming barriers such as living and learning challenges that result in unemployment or inclusion in the criminal justice system.
The deal includes the full use of Techniquest’s offices and facilities, including meeting and conference spaces. It also includes the opportunity to use the centre and its audience for essential research.
Amanda Kirby, chief executive of Do-IT Solutions, said: “We are excited to base our head office in Techniquest and to be their first tenants.
“Not only does this opportunity present us with a great base for our business, but it also marks the start of an exciting partnership with Techniquest. We have identified a number of ways in which we can work together, and we’re looking forward to what the future holds.”
Following funding cuts in 2016, the charity has introduced the tenancy programme to generate new revenue streams. And earlier this year it launched a events and conferencing offer.
Lesley Kirkpatrick, chief executive of Techniquest, said: “Despite going for 30 years, many people are still unaware that we’re a charity. While we’re as committed as ever to providing interactive STEM learning and engagement in Wales, we also need to ensure our sustainability.
“Over the last few months, we’ve been on a journey to alter our offering and refocus our mission to ensure Techniquest has a sustainable future for generations to come. We’ve already launched our events services, and now we’re thrilled to be able to welcome tenants to our building.
“We’re delighted to welcome Prof Kirby and her colleagues to our offices as our first-ever tenant. We’re looking forward to embarking on this collaborative relationship.”