Goodman confirms major pre-let to British Gas at Oxford Business Park
28 March 2011
Leading business space provider Goodman is pleased to confirm that it has exchanged contracts with Centrica plc, to develop an 81,000 sq ft head office at Oxford Business Park, for its British Gas Business division.
Goodman today unveiled the design of the BREEAM Excellent building that will become the new head office for British Gas Business, the business to business arm of integrated energy company Centrica. Construction is expected to commence in September 2011, subject to planning approval by Oxford City Council.
British Gas Business has made a long-term commitment to Oxford Business Park, taking a 17 year lease on its new development, which will house approximately 1,000 British Gas employees, including all employees currently working at the company’s existing premises at Oxford Business Park.
The development will showcase British Gas’ commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, and will create a unique environment for employees and visitors alike.
James Raven, development director at Goodman, said: “This is a significant deal and a leap forward in terms of building and environmental design for the out of town market. It shows that the right, well managed environment will continue to attract customers looking for large floorplates in good strategic locations. It also demonstrates how Goodman, an experienced, well funded integrated property company, can work with a committed customer to deliver great buildings that meet investment market objectives while fulfilling the needs of the customer. We strongly believe that this is the way the vast majority of the UK market outside of London will work for the foreseeable future.”
This latest deal follows a number of lettings at Oxford Business Park to Grant Thornton, HSS Tool Hire, Zinc Ahead and Oxfordshire County Council, further strengthening its position as Oxford’s premier business location.
Kanat Emiroglu, Managing Director of British Gas Business said: “This building represents a major investment by Centrica and British Gas, and demonstrates our commitment and confidence in Oxford as a key location for our business. We are delighted to be working with Goodman to realise our vision. Our new office will be a landmark example of what the office of the future can be like and will feature most of the energy efficiency technologies that British Gas offers to businesses. It will be a place that our customers and business partners enjoy visiting, our people will really enjoy working in and be a place that everyone in British Gas can be proud of.”
Oxford Business Park provides a workplace for more than 40 companies employing over 4,500 people. The park comprises 88 acres, offering high quality office space and on-site amenities including a hotel, restaurant, day nursery and a health and fitness centre.
Oxford Business Park is one of 26 parks that Goodman owns, develops and manages nationally. Goodman was advised by Strutt and Parker & VSL and BNB Paribas Real Estate and Hanover Cube represented Centrica.