Flexible office operator Gilbanks has agreed a 15-year lease at Assembly Bristol – Building C. Taking c.23,500 sq ft of space. The letting marks Gilbanks’ first entry into the South West and is the latest step in its UK growth strategy.
Gilbanks currently operates in Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham, and the Bristol letting forms part of a wider plan to expand into key regional cities. The company is targeting a network of up to 12 locations by 2030, focusing on prime assets in core business districts.
The operator will occupy three floors, with the space expected to accommodate up to 25 occupiers, primarily from the professional services sector, and up to 400 customers. Gilbanks has a strong track record of working with institutional landlords, including Aviva, KKR and Royal London.
Building C forms part of the wider 320,000 sq ft Assembly Bristol development, one of Bristol’s most prominent new office schemes spread across three buildings and managed on behalf of clients of BNP Paribas Asset Management Alts (“BNPP AM Alts”).
The building is already home to tenants including Arcadis, Forvis Mazars, Kaluza, Nordic and Clarke Willmott. The award-winning scheme has received national recognition, including awards from the BCO (British Council for Offices) and the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects).
Ian Wills, director, office agency South West, at JLL, said: “Gilbanks has a strong track record of delivering high-quality flexible workspace for professional occupiers. Their arrival at Assembly supports a best-in-class tenant mix within the development.”
The building provides Grade A office accommodation across 12 upper office floors, each with access to external terraces. Amenities include a rooftop Club Room and landscaped roof terrace, as well as extensive end-of-trip facilities, including cycle storage, showers and changing rooms. The scheme also benefits from a waterfront location, with public realm and amenity provision across the wider Assembly campus, including food and beverage offerings in neighbouring Building A.
Assembly Building C has achieved WELL Platinum certification, with sustainability embedded throughout the design and construction. According to BNPP AM Alts, modern methods of construction and offsite fabrication have delivered a 45% reduction in carbon emissions at Building C compared with a typical office building, while the building also benefits from measures to support biodiversity and reduce operational energy demand.
The letting brings Building C to 79% let, with strong demand for the remaining two floors, each comprising c.7,820 sq ft.
Alex Duckett, managing director at Gilbanks, said: “This deal secures a prime position within one of Bristol’s leading office developments. The combination of location, specification and amenity is ideal for the professional firms we support.”
