HFD Group has marked the topping out of its development at 177 Bothwell Street by running the first laps of the building’s much-anticipated rooftop running track, at the same time as runners across the country completed the virtual Virgin Money London Marathon.
Stephen Lewis, managing director of HFD Property Group, and Richard Smith, associate director of HFD Construction, visited the site to celebrate reaching the highest point of the 14-storey development, which is set to become Glasgow’s largest single office building.
The pair completed more than 40 laps of the rooftop, while a further five members of the team completed the challenge virtually, raising more than £6,000 for Parkinson’s UK. Managing director of HFD Construction, David Shearer, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in July of this year. As David begins the journey of managing this condition, HFD is keen to support the charity which helps to fund research into the debilitating condition.
The topping out milestone comes as three acres of glazing is being installed on the building’s exterior, equivalent to the size of 177 double decker buses. Despite Covid-19 causing a temporary halt to construction, the development is on track for completion next autumn.
177 Bothwell Street will provide around 313,000 sq. ft. of exceptional Grade A office space in the heart of Glasgow’s International Financial Services District. It has been specifically designed with staff wellbeing, connectivity, and sustainability at the heart of the plans with the open-air running track and 8,000 sq. ft. rooftop terrace among a number of initiatives focused on employee health and wellbeing.
HFD Group also recently announced a series of enhanced design features that will go towards making the building ‘touch-free’, using technology to simplify occupiers’ experience of the building, reflecting the future of working life amid the pandemic.
A large section of 177 Bothwell Street has been pre-let to Virgin Money for its new headquarters, while HFD Group’s serviced offices business will occupy 65,000 sq. ft. in the building. An independent economic impact assessment concluded that the development will generate £2.8 billion of gross value added (GVA) to the Scottish economy over 25 years.
Stephen Lewis, managing director of HFD Property Group, said: “177 Bothwell Street is going to provide Glasgow’s business community with the quality office space they need to help them attract and retain the best talent. Research has shown that employee wellbeing is among the top priorities for employers and 177 Bothwell Street has been designed with occupiers at the heart of it. We have included a number of features such as the rooftop terraces and running track and extensive facilities for cyclists.”
Richard Smith, associate director of HFD Construction, said: “Despite stormy conditions, the first real experience of the rooftop running track was remarkable and it will be spectacular once fully completed, offering striking views of the city centre and beyond. Topping out marks another significant milestone in our construction programme and brings us another step closer towards completion of this ambitious development.”