Granite House at Watermead Business Park is due to undergo a substantial transformation following its recent acquisition by Boundary Real Estate Partners (BREP). The building provides a 50,000 sq ft office building set on a large car park with some of the highest parking provision provided within the East Midlands region at a ratio of 1:147 and is outside of the parking levy zone. The new owners have started work to reposition the building within the marketplace to provide a ‘best in class opportunity’ to meet occupier demand. The plans include a substantial refurbishment of the reception to create a new full height entrance area with feature staircase, full refurbishment of the welfare facilities and with the installation of showers. The landscaping will be improved to create a leisure area incorporating bike storage, outdoor seating and break out areas.
New owners, BREP, are particularly focused on the ESG credentials of the building and, through the refurbishment works, are targeting EPC B rating, over and above minimum standards for 2025 and beyond. The asset will also be future proofed for electric car charging with the installation of EV charging points.
Working alongside Leicester County Council’s Sustainable Travel Coordinator, the owners are seeking to secure Modeshift accreditation and are now trialling the use of e-bikes encouraging occupiers of the scheme to get the most out of the amenities provided by Thurmaston Retail Park and the use of Watermead Country Park.
Agents, FHP and CBRE have commenced marketing of the first floor office space within the building which provides some 24,863 sq ft of Grade A space on a single floorplate, the largest single available floorplate within Leicester.
Mark Tomlinson, Director at FHP commented:
“We have seen a drive towards quality among occupiers with a particular focus on lifestyle and wellbeing alongside continued focus on energy efficiency and it is important that the regional office market delivers office buildings to cater for these requirements. These are exciting plans for the building, many of which are unrivalled within the Leicester market.”
Michelle Mills, Director at CBRE commented:
“The Leicester office market remains undersupplied with Grade A options for corporate occupiers looking to change the way in which they work going forwards. Granite House will deliver one of the premium options within the City.”
There are a number of discussions underway with prospective occupiers. For more information on the scheme, please contact Mark Tomlinson at FHP or Michelle Mills at CBRE.
