Southampton welcomes its most sustainable office building

A new benchmark for sustainability in Southampton has been set as Twenty3 Brunswick Place transforms into one of the region’s most eco-friendly workplaces.

Owned by Fidelity UK Real Estate Fund, the five-story office building has undergone extensive retrofitting to achieve an EPC A Plus rating and BREEAM Excellent certification, with energy-efficient systems designed to reduce carbon emissions and minimise environmental impact.

The latest addition to the building’s roster is Arup, a global sustainable development consultancy specialising in design, engineering and advisory services.

Arup has moved in after signing a 10-year lease for 13,110 sq ft of office space on the second floor.

A spokesperson for Fidelity UK Real Estate Fund said: “Occupiers are becoming increasingly discerning, prioritising sustainability and design excellence when choosing office space. Twenty3 meets these needs, offering a modern, green solution for businesses aiming to align with their ESG corporate responsibility goals.”

Simon Gill, Arup’s Office Leader, said: “Our new office at Twenty3 Brunswick Place reflects our values and commitment to sustainability, innovation and the communities we serve. This move provides an inspiring environment for our Southampton team, supporting their work on transformative projects and helping to shape a better future for the region.”

Arup’s South Coast business was previously based in Winchester for nearly 40 years.

Global engineering, architecture and consultancy firm Ramboll secured the 12,056 sq ft ground-floor in 2022 at Twenty3 Brunswick Place.

Russell Mogridge, Head of Vail Williams’ Agency Team, the joint agent responsible for the Arup letting with CBRE, said: “Twenty3 Brunswick Place has undergone comprehensive reconfiguration and refurbishment with all-new state-of-the-art mechanical and electrical systems, as well as an extension creating a completely new floor, attracting two pre-lets by global consultancies.

“There has also been practical completion by a company on the 13,069 sq ft fourth floor, which is a new extension with a private roof terrace and views over the park towards Southampton Water.

“The building has the highest quality sustainable design to BREEAM Excellent standards, making it the only available office building of its kind in the Southampton region.”

Russell added: “While floor-by-floor occupancy is preferable, there is flexibility to sub-divide the remaining two available floors for companies seeking greener operations.”

Joint agent Emma Lockey, CBRE, said: “The building’s high specification brings significant benefits for occupiers, from reduced running costs to support for their corporate and social responsibility goals. Arup and Ramboll chose Twenty3 for its compelling sustainability features, with bespoke finishes that reflect their respective brand identities and ethos.”

Some other key features of the building include a private roof terrace, business lounge and collaboration areas, secure cycle storage and six EV charging points to support sustainable transport initiatives.

The amenities create a modern, low-carbon workspace that caters to the rising demand for environmentally conscious office environments.

Two floors available, on the first and third, are 12,669 sq ft and 13,425 sq ft respectively.

Quoting rents are £31 per sq ft per annum.