Cooke & Arkwright

Landmark building for St Andrew’s Place

01/04/09

A landmark speculative office building of a style previously unseen in Cardiff’s prime professional quarter, is about to undergo construction.  The Charnwood Group has started demolition of the existing building at 8 St Andrews Place and expects to complete the 2,800 sq ft office scheme by early 2010.  It will be the first new development in the locality for more than 15 years.  Joint agents Cooke & Arkwright and Savills have been appointed letting agents.

Henry Best of Charnwood said that the scheme would be unique as it would offer a standard of accommodation not currently available in that area of the city.  “This is an exclusive city centre location that attracts a lot of professional occupiers, but the existing premises are mainly period converted houses.  We believe we will be providing something that people want, but just can’t get at the moment in this vicinity.”

The Grade A offices will offer flexible accommodation with on-site parking and be available to lease on a floor by floor basis or as a whole.  Ben Bolton, Associate Director at Cooke & Arkwright said the building should attract high quality tenants.  “This is a sought after destination which has always been popular with city professionals but in the past tenants often had to sacrifice on the quality of building to locate here. Opportunities for statement buildings such as this are rare and its appearance and style will be the key to its success” he said.

The building being demolished was dilapidated and had been empty for some time.  “This scheme will be a welcome face lift for St Andrews Place,” said Mr Bolton.  “It will provide attractive alternative accommodation with the added benefit of energy saving and sustainable features.”

Mr Best conceded that these were testing times for developers.  “Obviously we are in a tough market but the prime location and quality of the scheme coupled with the flexibility of the space will stand us in good stead.”

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