Falmouth’s regeneration has taken a major step forward with the start on-site of 24,000 sq ft of offices, which are being brought forward by developer, Priority Sites.
 
Construction company Kier Western has been appointed by regeneration specialist Priority Sites to deliver the 10, one and two-storey units in the scheme, which will be the first speculative office development of its kind in Falmouth for decades.
 
The units, which are due to be completed in July 2008, will incorporate a high level of environmentally sustainable features that will also offer the potential for cost savings for occupiers.

As well as achieving a ‘Very Good’ rating on BREEAM, the building industry’s benchmark for environmental sustainability, the units will have ground source heat pumps installed, which are designed to transfer solar energy stored in the ground to heat buildings. Additionally, the scheme will incorporate a rainwater harvesting system, which will capture roof water for the w.c’s.

The start on-site at Falmouth comes hot on the heels of Priority Sites successfully having sold all 200,000 sq ft of workspace that it completed as part of its 2006 programme across the South West. More than 90% of the units were sold within three months of completion.

Priority Sites, a joint venture company between the Royal Bank of Scotland and English Partnerships, was appointed to bring forward the Falmouth development following a competitive tender process by the South West of England Regional Development Agency.

Cornwall Area Manager for Kier Western, John Fox said: “We are delighted to be working with Priority Sites on this project. A development of this nature can only encourage economic growth in the Falmouth area. Incorporating environmentally sustainable technology the scheme represents a wonderful opportunity for businesses to occupy modern, high specification premises.”

Miles Carden, Priority Sites area development manager comments: “Our units have sold rapidly. At a time when the South West is experiencing robust economic growth, we’re finding strong demand, both among new companies and those that are looking to expand but have found it difficult to find suitable modern premises. 

“The continuing regeneration of Falmouth and the encouragement that the Combined Universities in Cornwall provides to start-up businesses has given us the confidence to develop speculatively, enabling firms to purchase or let units.

“We are also introducing features that are more usually associated with larger scale commercial developments but which will be important in helping to lower the carbon footprint of the premises at Falmouth.”

Appointed agent for the scheme is Alder King’s Truro office – contact 01872 222174.

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