Priority Sites’ energy efficient office scheme on Falmouth Business Park, Bickland Water Road has reached practical completion, with deals having already been agreed on two of the units.
In addition a solid level of interest is being shown in the remaining eight units, according to the appointed agent for the scheme, Miller Commercial.
As Peter Heather, partner at Miller Commercial points out: “The offices are modern, purpose built and have a high energy efficiency rating. In fact they are the only properties of this quality within 10 miles of Falmouth.
“Together with the fact that there is plenty of car parking and views overlooking the bay, the offices, which are available to buy or to let, are a great proposition for businesses.”
Priority Sites was awarded the £4.8 million project after winning a competitive tender process by the South West RDA, and started on-site just 12 months ago.
The 24,000 sq ft development, comprising four two-storey and six single storey office units split between five buildings ranging in size from 950sq ft to 3,600 sq ft will provide over 100 jobs once fully-occupied.
The site has achieved a Very Good rating on the building industry’s environmental scheme, BREEAM, and in addition incorporates a number of energy efficient features that are normally associated with larger commercial developments.
These include ground source heat pumps in six of the units, which transfer solar energy stored in the ground to heat the buildings, and a rainwater harvesting system that captures roof water for flushing the toilets.
As a result the units have secured a ‘B’ rating on the new Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) scheme with a score that is well above the benchmark figure for new offices of this type and with estimates suggesting that general office building stock will be awarded only an ‘F’ grade.
Miles Carden, area development manager for Priority Sites explains: “The fact that we have introduced microgeneration energy features into the units and the general quality of the build has been borne out by the high EPC rating. The ability of the ground source heat pumps to generate 43% renewable energy will be an important consideration for potential occupiers who are looking to keep tabs on heating costs.
“In such a difficult market it is heartening to see the level of enquiries coming in as it does reinforce the fact that these offices are in the right location and are of the right quality to attract new, and anchor existing businesses in Falmouth.”
Sandra Rothwell, head of regeneration for the South West RDA in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “This is a high quality development on land owned by the RDA and we’re delighted with the finished product. Our role is to invest to unlock business potential and lead the development of a low carbon economy so we have worked closely with Priority Sites to ensure that this new workspace is built to high environmental standards and meets the needs of local businesses and inward investors.”
