Historic landmark building opens its doors to local commercial property experts as BE Offices and Straidorn Properties showcase newly refurbished flexible workspace offering.
Leading independent flexible workspace provider, BE Offices, opened the doors of Belfast’s iconic Custom House to local property agents on Thursday 17th November 2022, for an exclusive preview tour of the exquisitely refurbished building.
Taking the opportunity to showcase the latest addition to its portfolio, BE Offices together with building owner Neil McKibbin of Straidorn Properties, welcomed representatives from Avison Young, Instant Offices, Invest NI, Campbell Cairns, Irish Office Space. TDK, Lambert Smith Hampton, Colliers, Savills, CBRE, Frazer Kidd, Osbourne King, Offices IQ, Murphy Commercial. OKT, Cushman & Wakefield, McKibbin Commercial, TDK, Finch and Riddell McKibbin.
Guests enjoyed a tour of the building and a drinks and canape reception in the exquisite Lanyon Lounge, one of the principal breakout spaces, named after the architect of the building, Sir Charles Lanyon.
The Grade B+ listed building has been tastefully and sensitively restored to incorporate many of its original period features which include an impressive central staircase and some decorative carvings depicting Neptune, Mercury and Britannia. Emphasis has been placed on the preservation and enhancement of the building’s heritage while securing its place as a leading-edge, 21st Century destination.
The 58,000 square foot building comprises workspace for 600 people, and a suite of meeting rooms, conference and event space catering for up to 100 people. It also boasts a podcast room with full recording equipment, wellness pods, a complimentary gym, shower and changing facilities, bike storage, generous breakout space throughout and an outdoor covered terrace area adjoining the ground floor coffee lounge.
Addressing the assembled guests, Neil McKibbin, Director of Straidorn Properties said:
“Back in 2020, when I was first introduced to it, I fell in love with the building as soon as I stepped through the door, but delivering a great product is not just about having a wonderful building, it’s about the execution and finding the best partner for delivery.
“That’s where BE Offices came in, an organisation who have proven themselves to be as passionate about this proposition as I am, and who can take this property to where it needs to be.
“I’m confident that together we can deliver for the long term to create a successful venture for both BE Offices, Straidorn Properties and the City of Belfast, which I care passionately about.”
Derren Jennings, Group Sales Director at BE Offices highlighted the fact that the adoption of flex space by the wider market is no longer a short-term option and emphasised the high level of service clients can expect to receive at Custom House with a focus very much on hospitality delivered by our highly experienced onsite team. He added:
“With 30% of the offices already sold and may suites under offer, we expect Custom House to be a popular option for many businesses.
“The doors open to our first clients on 3rd January, but viewings are available now and we welcome anyone with potential interest in the building to get in touch.”
Opening in January 2023, BE Offices are on target to achieve Platinum WELL Certification for the building via the International WELL Building Institute. WELL is focused exclusively on the ways that buildings and communities, and everything in them, can improve occupier comfort, drive better choices, and generally enhance, occupier health and wellbeing. If successful, Custom House will be Northern Ireland’s first WELL Certified building.
