It was the first new office build in Bath for a generation, and finally some good news for No 1 Bath Quays with the announcement of lettings on two of its floors.
Leading local financial services consultancy and software provider, Altus, has been confirmed as one of the first tenants for the building, part of Bath and North East Somerset Council’s flagship regeneration project.
Bath-based Altus has signed a deal to move its headquarters into 9,445 sq ft on the top floor of the five-storey energy-efficient office building on Bath Quays South.
A second local company, Fidelius, has signed a lease for 5822 sq ft of office space, part of the first floor.
The 4.5 acre Bath Quays project incorporates a blend of historic buildings and contemporary architecture and when complete will include offices, an open public realm and commercial space. It is set to become a key strategic site in the centre of the city.
No.1 Bath Quays is next to Newark Works, the Grade II listed Victorian industrial buildings that were originally home to engineering firm Stothert & Pitt. Bath Quays South will be connected to Bath Quays North by the new pedestrian and cycling bridge across the River Avon.
Councillor Kevin Guy, council leader, said: “We are delighted that Altus has chosen No.1 Bath Quays for its new UK and EMEA headquarters. No.1 was designed and built to address Bath’s shortage of Grade A office space allowing existing Bath businesses space to expand and new businesses to relocate to the city.
“It’s great to be able to accommodate two growing local companies and it’s an excellent endorsement of our commitment to delivering market-leading, next-generation workspaces to help attract skills and talent to Bath.”
The Altus offices are currently being fitted out by interiors firm, Paramount, and staff are expected to move into the new office in mid-October.
Martyn Evans, consulting director at Altus, said: “Altus is delighted to be moving its business to No.1 Bath Quays and to be part of this regeneration story. Having started life in the city of Bath 17 years ago, Altus now employs over 100 staff and has always prided itself on being a business with strong roots in the local community.”
Nick Meredith, product director at Altus, added: “Our new headquarters are the next step in the growth of our business and will provide an inspiring place to work for current and future staff.”
Jim Grant, CEO of Fidelius, said: “Fidelius have great pleasure to announce the relocation of their Bath headquarters to No.1 Bath Quays. The innovative development of the Bath Quays area by B&NES offers an exciting opportunity for Fidelius to build a new environment and home for its expanding business and employees. The investment in the new offices supports the ongoing growth of the Fidelius brand and values where our clients and team are at the heart of everything we do.
“The new offices will allow us to embrace innovation and responsibility via the very latest in design and technology, focusing on elevating our employee experience through enhanced connection, engagement, and performance.
“This important step signifies the ongoing growth of a leading financial services brand, proudly supporting its clients and employees through new investment in the heart of Bath.”
No.1 Bath Quays is the first new office block to be built in Bath for a generation. BAM Construction commenced work in spring 2019. The building has a host of passive design and energy efficiency measures to reduce its CO2 emissions including a special coating on the windows to reduce heat loss and gain and 224 PV panels on its roof allowing on-site micro-generation of electricity. It has been awarded an ‘A’ Energy Efficiency Certification.
It provides 44,470 sq ft of exceptional office accommodation over four open plan floors and ground floor business space, with VRF air conditioning, LED lighting, 10 secure parking spaces and 106 cycle racks, with eight electric charging spaces to be provided.
Knight Frank acted as the agent for Bath and North East Somerset Council at No. 1 Bath Quays. The property and estate is managed by Savills.
Andy Smith, partner at Knight Frank said: “Bath and North East Somerset Council’s bold move to speculatively construct No.1 Bath Quays has been really well received by the market. Both of the new tenants have been looking for top-quality space for a long time and the delivery of No.1 Bath Quays was an ideal solution for them.
We are speaking to a number of interested parties about taking space at the building, however, we would welcome calls from any occupiers who may be interested in the building/scheme. The quality and flexibility of the space on offer will appeal to companies that value their staff and are looking for the right business environment in which to thrive.”
For more information about No.1 Bath Quays visit: http://no1bathquays.co.uk/
