A £4million investment into Central House in Harrogate completed this week, delivering a striking new reception, common areas, café and courtyard, with innovative break-out workspace offering free WiFi and plug in points. Bookable meeting room, a cycle spa, showers, drying room and lockers have also been provided for the building’s 1000+ occupants.
Acquired in 1999, Central House is the largest office development in Harrogate offering 168,571 sq ft of prime workspace. More than 85% of the building is already let to 15 businesses with only 15,000 sq ft available on the first floor and ground floor, both can also be sub divided into smaller suites.
Olivia Hughes, investment manager at CEG, said: “We survey our customers each year to find out how our workspaces can work better for them. More and more we are finding that businesses want space that will help to attract and retain the best talent. With occupant satisfaction and wellbeing acting as a key driver for the project, we have provided new facilities as well as innovative spaces which will encourage collaboration, where staff can eat, meet, drink and work in a healthy and productive environment.
“While everyone may not return to the office full time, the pandemic has shown that team engagement is vital for a successful business to thrive. A healthy office environment, with fewer touch points, plenty of space, covid-safe cleaning regimes and great ventilation is all the more important, as well as enough space to allow for flexible working and social distancing.”
As a long term investment and management company, CEG also offers an innovative approach to leasing, delivering more flexibility and providing tenant fit outs, where required, to reduce an occupier’s capital spend. The company’s Core and Flex model allows a business to expand and contract within the space. This helps to manage uncertainty, as well as company growth, seasonal demand and the effects that social distancing will have on office requirements.
With sustainability at its heart, Central House is powered by 100% renewable energy and 100% of the building’s waste is diverted from landfill. As well as providing bike storage and shower facilities, CEG works closely with the building’s tenants to encourage sustainable travel to work.
Central House at Beckwith Knowle lies adjacent to Harlow Carr, the RHS gardens. It offers access to a local bus routes and ample parking, EV charging and cycle parking.
JLL and Carter Jonas have been appointed as letting agents. Richard Thornton, director of JLL, said: “It’s clear that as lockdown eases and we come out of a covid environment, occupiers are reviewing their property strategy. Whist the size of their requirements may be reducing with more emphasis on working from home, there is a much greater need for collaboration when in the office. As such, occupiers are wanting to upgrade the quality of their accommodation. Without doubt Central House is well positioned to capitalise on this flight to quality and meet demand for the best space in town.”
Chris Hartnell, associate partner at Carter Jonas, said: “The refurbishment delivered by CEG makes Central House one of the most desirable office buildings in Harrogate. The quality of existing occupiers is testament to this and, with vacant space on the ground and first floor, there is an exciting opportunity for businesses seeking to grow or relocate to take advance of this high quality environment.”
CEG has one of the largest office portfolios in Harrogate, offering more than 300,000 sq ft in the out-of-town, Central House, as well as in the heart of the town centre at The Exchange on Station Parade and nearby Coptall Bridge House.
