Global defence consulting firm BMT is to relocate its Bath staff to the city’s No.1 Bath Quays office building, making it the third firm to take space in the flagship development.
BMT, which has two offices a stone’s throw away on Lower Bristol Road, joins financial services consultancy and software provider Altus and chartered financial planning group Fidelius in the 44,470 sq ft building, pictured, which was developed by Bath & North East Somerset Council (B&NES).
The first major office scheme in the city centre for more than a generation, No.1 Bath Quays is seen as vital for Bath to attract and retain businesses in growth sectors such as FinTech, creativity and design.
BMT, which specialises in maritime-orientated high-end design and technical consulting, has signed a lease for the entire 11, 323 sq ft third floor of the riverfront building and 5,655 sq ft on the second floor.
Commercial agents marketing the No.1 Bath Quays, where Altus occupies the 9,500 sq ft penthouse floor and Fidelius has moved into 5,822 sq ft on the first floor, say there are a number of active inquiries to take the remaining space.
BMT, which was established in 1985, has strong links with Bath. The group, which has offices across the globe from Australia to the US, employs a team of skilled naval architects, engineers, designers and information managers in Bath.
The firm has been involved in designing many of the UK’s recent major naval projects, including the Queen Elizabeth Class carriers and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s Tide class tankers as well as helping maintain the Royal Navy’s in-service nuclear submarines.
The firm was initially involved in the original plans for the 4.5-acre Bath Quays redevelopment as a key partner, at one time planning to build a new HQ on the site.
However, it pulled out in 2017, shortly before the project received planning approval.
BMT business director for UK and Europe Phil Metcalfe described No1. Bath Quays as “a fresh, contemporary and sustainable office space which aligns with our values and growth ambition”.
“This high-quality office and collaboration space matches our flexible working approach while significantly improving sustainability and contributing to the BMT brand experience across all our sites,” he added.
“Good for our people, our customers and the environment.”
No.1 Bath Quays has been awarded an ‘A’ Energy Efficiency Certification and has a host of passive design and energy efficiency measures to reduce its CO2 emissions, including a special coating on its windows to reduce heat loss and gain and 224 PV panels on its roof allowing on-site micro generation of electricity.
It also has VRF air conditioning, LED lighting, 13 secure parking spaces and 106 cycle racks, with eight electric charging spaces to be provided.
As well as office accommodation over four open-plan floors, it has a ground floor business space,
Commercial property agency Knight Frank is marketing the building for B&NES. The property and estate is managed by Savills.
Knight Frank partner Andy Smith said: “The council’s bold move to speculatively construct No.1 Bath Quays has been really well received by the market.
“BMT have been looking for top quality space for a long time and the delivery of No.1 Bath Quays was an ideal solution.
“We are speaking to a number of interested parties about taking space at the building. The quality and flexibility of the space on offer at No.1 Bath Quays will appeal to companies that value their staff and are looking for the right business environment in which to thrive.”
B&NES cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development, Cllr Paul Roper, added: “We are pleased to welcome BMT to No.1.
“It is fantastic that we have been able to offer suitable space to a global company to allow them to bring their staff together in a modern building close to the heart of Bath.
“The Bath Quays project is key to the council’s commitment to support and regenerate our city centre. This new letting shows that there is demand for Grade A office space in this city.”
The Bath Quays regeneration site spans the north and south banks of the River Avon, linked by a new pedestrian and cycling bridge.
