Work has started on a major scheme to convert a vacant 1970s city centre building into much-needed offices – with its marketing agents claiming it will be Bath’s best new business space.
The Manvers Street building, owned by West Midlands Pension Fund, is being extensively refurbished and re-modeled to provide 45,136 sq ft of high-specification office space, including a new fourth floor and a spacious reception area.
This additional accommodation will have full-height glazing with panoramic views across the Bath skyline to the countryside beyond – prompting its agent to describe it as the city’s best new office.
The work, designed by Bristol architects Stride Treglown, will bring modern, air-conditioned office space to Bath at a time when property agents fear firms are leaving the city because of a lack of suitable accommodation.
Space will be available from single floors of 7,717 sq ft up to the entire building. Occupiers will also be offered car parking, extensive cycle parking, new shower facilities and a drying room.
Property consultant Knight Frank has been appointed to advise the owner in marketing 20 Manvers Street. Partner Martin Booth said: “The new top floor will be, without doubt, the best office accommodation available in Bath. Little wonder initial levels of interest have been so high.
“It is widely acknowledged that there is a dramatic undersupply of quality office space in Bath. Completion of this project in March 2017 can only help to alleviate this problem.”
The building is also expected to bring a new record office rent of £24 per sq ft for the city.
Marketing material will stress its proximity to the SouthGate Shopping Centre, railway station and The Vaults dining quarter.
