£17m zero-carbon Bristol office development completes

The South West’s first Net Zero Carbon in operation out-of-town development has reached practical completion.

Commissioned by CEG and delivered by Beard Construction, 1000 Aztec West in South Gloucestershire near Bristol ambitiously reused the existing frame and shell to deliver a best-in-class development.

The addition of a new floor and striking three-storey atrium to the centre of the stunning new, all-glass structure has expanded the building from 38,000 to 80,000 sq ft, capable of housing an 850-strong workforce.

Paul Richardson, investment manager at CEG said: “1000 Aztec West was redesigned with modern tenants’ key requirements in mind. From environmental sustainability and data connectivity, to the wide variety of onsite facilities designed to maximise staff wellbeing, we have delivered city-centre specifications not seen in out-of-town Bristol before.”

The development has achieved BREEAM Excellent and EPC A. An all-electric building, it is powered by renewable energy and boasts energy-efficient heating, cooling and lighting systems. As well as saving some 1.7 million kg of embodied carbon, coupled with its Net Zero in Operation performance, 1000 Aztec West is a game changer for out-of-office headquarters.

The building incorporates a secure cycle block, with leisure club quality shower and changing facilities to encourage sustainable travel. The 1,300 sq ft state-of-the-art gym, wellness facility and daily classes on offer are designed to boost tenant health, fitness and productivity.

The setting alongside Aztec Lake, landscaped gardens and picnic areas and the rooftop terraces, helps boost mood. There is also a myriad of indoor spaces, including café, provide places to eat, meet, drink and work, all with access to Wi-Fi and plug-in points.

Architect Ed Hayden, director of Scott Brownrigg, said: “Aztec 1000 takes advantage of location, orientation and existing materials to maximise ‘fabric first’ design principles and create a stunning new addition to the architecture of Bristol’s workspace.

“Sustainability is achieved by retaining as much of the existing material as is practically possible and building passive energy and carbon saving strategies into the layout and fabric of the design. Overheating in the summer is negated with the careful specification of extremely high performing solar control glazing and the inclusion of ‘light shelves’ which bounce daylight into the heart of the building.

“The result is a strikingly contemporary reimagining of the workplace, which Scott Brownrigg is proud to have supported CEG in creating.”

The agents marketing the development are Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), Cushman and Wakefield and Carter Jonas. Ian Wills, Director office agency and tenant representation at JLL said: “We knew the building would be good, but walking the finished floors it is clear just how inspiring this work environment is compared with the usual business park offer.  The semi-exposed ceilings, full height glazing, views of the lake and park, the impressive reception, gym and café make this the most amazing place to work.”

To entice new tenants to the space, CEG is providing an on-site Life concierge team to make occupier’s lives easier and healthier. A dedicated smartphone app will be used to book meeting rooms, organise events, arrange dry-cleaning, book bike maintenance or fitness classes, as well as offer local shopping and activity discounts.

CEG also offers an innovative, flexible approach to leasing, even providing fit-outs to reduce occupiers’ capital spend. Its Core and Flex model also allows a business to expand and contract within the space to help manage uncertainty, growth and seasonal demand.

The development has been delivered by local company, Beard Construction. Matt Cooper, director for Beard in Bristol said: “We are immensely proud to have played a key role in the delivery of this striking office development. Not only does it bring a state-of-the-art facility away from the city centre and out of town, but it sets the benchmark for sustainable, low carbon construction. This aligns closely with our core values at Beard and provided a fantastic opportunity to utilise our skills and experience in this area.

“Sustainable construction presents both challenges and opportunities. Repurposing the existing steel framework was certainly a challenge, but it provided the opportunity to retain a significant amount of the embodied carbon of the initial build. It now serves as a centrepiece of the entire build and a great example of CEG’s ambitions for the project. It has been a pleasure working with CEG and we hope to have the opportunity to work collaboratively again in the future.”

CEG has £300m investment properties currently under management across Bristol, providing some 450,000 sq ft of the highest-quality city centre and out-of-town workspace for start-ups, scale ups or corporate headquarters. As well Quorum in the city centre, CEG is redeveloping The Crescent Centre and is delivering the 200,000 sq ft EQ development at 111 Victoria Street.

More information is available at: www.1000aztecwest.co.uk