BE Offices has announced the launch of a multi-million-pound refurbishment programme at some of its key centres
BE has already recorded some early successes with the programme as a number of corporate occupiers have been attracted to the high quality space the company is creating.
In Reading, where BE has just completed the first phase of the refurbishment programme in its Soane Point centre, 11,960 sq ft of space on the third floor providing 168 workstations has been snapped up by two new corporate clients along with an existing occupier. As a result, 99% of the new space is now occupied with only three workstations remaining.
Encouraged by this success BE has embarked on a further 15,703 sq ft refurbishment project on Soane Point’s second floor which, once completed this summer, will provide 220 state of the art workstations. These two floors comprise 48% of the total business centre and to further enhance the Reading town centre building, BE is also creating a 2,740 sq ft roof terrace at Soane Point which will be completed by the end of June and will complement the building’s refurbishment programme.
Meanwhile the company is also revitalising 6,717 sq ft on the second floor (13% of the building) of its Barbican centre at Beech Street to be available by the end of June. On completion this will provide 120 workstations. Significant interest in the new space has already been generated with two pre-lets already agreed.
BE has witnessed similar success in its Wembley centre. Completion of a 7,033 sq ft programme on the fourth floor and the creation of 130 five star workstations has led to take up of the entire space with Ladbroke’s taking 4,000 sq ft, 96 workstations. As a result, BE is examining further opportunities within the Wembley centre due to continued strong demand for high quality space.
In the City, refurbishment is now well underway at BE’s Threadneedle Street business centre. On completion at the end of October 2016 the entirely refurbished centre will offer 16,300 sq ft of CAT A space and 250 high quality workstations.
David Saul, Managing Director of BE Offices, said: “There is no doubt that strong demand exists for quality space whether it is in Central London or outside of the Capital. This CAT A standard of accommodation combined with our renowned level of service is proving extremely attractive, especially among corporate occupiers.
“We are looking to apply this rolling refurbishment programme throughout our portfolio to ensure we are providing both existing and potential clients with an unrivalled package of high quality space and service at affordable prices.”
Currently BE operates a total of 13 centres within London and South-East. It is looking to a controlled programme of growth over the next five years that is anticipated to expand the portfolio throughout the Capital. BE’s current refurbishment and new space fit out programme totals 57,231 sq ft.
