Plans have been submitted for a new 45,000 sq ft Grade A office development for Basingstoke as part of a wider programme of regeneration.
Designed by global architecture practice BDP, the five-storey new office development, named Neon, which is being marketed for pre-let, includes a double height atrium and ground floor business lounge. It has been designed to deliver high quality, energy efficient and flexible office space to meet BREEAM Excellent and EPC A standards.
It was recently launched by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council at Basing View, a 65-acre urban business park that has been undergoing a £500 million regeneration programme.
The Neon building will replace Norden House, an outdated two-storey office building, which was purchased by the council last year for re-development, with funding from the Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership.
Akshay Khera, profession director, architecture, at BDP, which has designed Neon and delivered a master plan for the wider area, said: “This will be a landmark building for this strategically important employment area; it will help inject new energy into this growing commercial district and will significantly improve the Basing View streetscape.”
“There is strong emphasis on public realm to provide the staff with space to relax outside, which is aligned with the aspiration set within the masterplan for Basing View. It also represents a vote of confidence in the area, which should encourage further investment locally.”
The proximity and pedestrian connections to the station further add to the viability of Basing View as workplace destination. To encourage sustainable travel to work, the Neon building will be equipped with showers, changing and drying facilities and an adjacent three-storey car park will have electric charging points and 57 cycle spaces.
Located within the Basing View Enterprise Zone, businesses moving here will also be able to enjoy business rates relief of up to £275,000 over five years.
Cllr John Izett, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council said: “This announcement marks another boost to Basing View’s resurgence as an office market. It also demonstrates once again the power of the partnership between the council and the LEP in bringing forward new office supply so we can maintain the important pipeline in Basingstoke for growing companies already in the borough and those looking to set up here.
“As a council that is committed to tackling climate change, I would highlight the objective for Neon of achieving a high green efficiency and sustainability standard.”
The building could be available for occupation in mid 2021. Basingstoke agents BDT and Thames Valley based RARE have been appointed to market the pre-let opportunity.
Recent developments at Basing View include the 60,000 sq ft Florence Building, let to Sovereign Housing Association and the construction of a further 45,000 sq ft Grade A office building, pre-let to Eli Lilly and Company, which is currently underway. A new Village Hotel, with gym, restaurant, swimming pool and Starbucks coffee shop will open at Basing View in early 2020.
