Planning application submitted for new build ‘best in class’ offices in Exeter

Owners Wesleyan Assurance Society have submitted a planning application for around 24,000 sq ft of new build ‘best in class’ offices on a site in Exeter to be developed by Summerfield Commercial.

The application is for View Point, where Summerfield hopes to build three storey offices on the last remaining undeveloped plot within Pynes Hill Business Park, Exeter. The offices are aimed at addressing modern occupiers’ desire to meet high Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria and will assist businesses in reducing their carbon footprint.

Designed to be suitable as a headquarters building but with the flexibility to be occupied on a floor by floor basis, the offices are designed to achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of an A grade and a BREEAM Excellent standard. If feasible, both an EPC A+ and a BREEAM Outstanding certificate are anticipated.

The striking design will provide offices of the highest standards of thermal efficiency, low carbon output, (offset by a significant photovoltaic solar panel installation), along with excellent occupier wellbeing and comfort. Wesleyan Assurance Society has submitted the application in response to interest for the whole building.

Tom Holland of Wesleyan commented; “As an institutional Landlord, Wesleyan are acutely aware of the ever-increasing demand for innovative workplaces where ESG credentials are placed at the forefront of the design process. View Point will be one of the first in the Exeter area to meet the new Biodiversity Net Gain national standards, and we are extremely proud to submit an application for a new development which has all the characteristics of a ‘best in class’ office building.

Summerfield Developments (SW) Ltd have worked with Wesleyan to Development Manage the process and have worked in conjunction with Wesleyan’s marketing agents Hugo Tillotson of Maze and Andrew Pearce of Pearce Property Consultants, along with architects LHC.

“This is a superb opportunity for an occupier to move into new offices that will reduce their carbon footprint and operational running costs, whilst providing staff and clients with exceptional surroundings”, remarked Ben Trickey, Director of Summerfield. “We know from past experience that a building of this nature will significantly help on many tangible scales, but will also help with the more intangible areas of staff retention, staff well being and staff recruitment.”

For further information on the proposed offices, please contact Maze, Pearce Property Consultants or Summerfield Commercial.