Motul, the French engine oil and lubricants manufacturer, is to open an office in Bath in a major boost to the city’s commercial property market.
The firm, a long-term partner of emblematic international racing competitions such as the Dakar Rally and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, is the latest to take space in the city’s flagship No.1 Bath Quays office development, pictured,
It will join Global defence consulting firm BMT, software provider Altus and chartered financial planning group Fidelius in the 44,470 sq ft building, which was developed by Bath & North East Somerset Council (B&NES).
Significantly, it is the first business from outside Bath to become an occupier in No.1 Bath Quays – where it will move into 1,067 sq ft of space on the ground floor.
All the other businesses are relocating or from existing offices in the city.
Motul’s arrival will also mean No.1 Bath Quays – the city’s first Grade A office to be built in more than a generation – will be three quarters let.
The sales office will be Motul’s first outside France, where it is headquartered in the Aubervilliers suburb of Paris.
The company, which was launched in 183, today manufactures, develops and distributes a range of high-quality lubricants for motorcycle, car and other vehicle engines.
Its UK & Ireland general manager Callum Goodland said the firm felt that Bath Quays reflected its own values.
“Over the years, Motul has gained worldwide awareness as an official supplier to a great number of motor sport teams and original equipment manufacturers,” he added.
“A pioneer in its sector, Motul has always put innovation and progress at the heart of its strategy. Facing a rapidly changing world, the company is now diversifying its activity in favour of better and more responsible mobility solutions.”
Motul’s announcement coincides with new analysis showing Bath’s office property market is in line for a strong second half of this year.
According to the respected six-monthly Market Monitor report produced by South West property agency Alder King, a number of larger office transactions are currently in solicitors’ hands.
These include around 24,000 sq ft under offer at Royal Mead, the Grade A office scheme on Railway Place, which underwent a 4m refurbishment two years ago.
As a result of these ongoing transactions, Alder King said it expected the headline rent in the city to increase from its current £36 per sq ft.
Motul’s decision to move into No.1 Bath Quays was welcomed by B&NES, which sees the building as vital for the city to attract and retain businesses in growth sectors such as FinTech, creativity and design.
It is also a central element of the 4.5-acre Bath Quays regeneration project, which straddles the River Avon on the edge of the city centre.
Cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development Cllr Paul Roper said: “It is great news that Motul has chosen Bath to set up its first UK office and even better that it will be moving its workforce into No.1 Bath Quays, providing a boost to the local economy and validating our commitment to support and regenerate our city centre.”
The building’s premium office space is spread over four open-plan floors with a host of passive design and energy efficiency measures including VRF air conditioning, LED lighting, 13 secure parking spaces and 106 cycle racks, with eight electric charging spaces to be provided.
Knight Frank acted as the agent for Bath & North East Somerset Council at No.1 Bath Quays, while the property and estate is managed by Savills.
Knight Frank associate Polly Smart said: “The extraordinary quality of No.1 Bath Quays, partnered with its excellent transport links provided Motul the opportunity to acquire 1,000 sq ft in Grade A accommodation.
“I anticipate Motul will reap the benefits of locating here and thrive in its new environment.”
The Alder King report also highlights Bath software pioneer Zynstra’s relocation to 7,000 sq ft of space in the five-floor, 31,335 sq ft Quay House on The Ambury from the nearby Bath Innovation Centre on Broad Quay.
