AXA IM - Real Assets, along with development manager Bell Hammer, announced that it is to commence construction of the initial phase of its 300,00ft² mixed-use Assembly Bristol regeneration project having appointed Galliford Try as the main contractor. The development is located in a well-connected urban area just a five-minute walk to the city centre, Temple Meads Station, Cabot Circus and the Floating Harbour. The site benefits from its status as part of the enterprise zone with significant public investment in infrastructure; including the new University of Bristol Enterprise Campus and the electrification of the great west railway which reduces the journey time to London.
The construction contract and initial work have commenced for Building A which comprises 200,000ft² across 11 storeys with practical completion due in 2020. The building is a new archetype for Bristol office space, comprising multiple uses, and a range of flexible office spaces designed for both local and global businesses in the services, creative, consultancy, financial, media and technology sectors.
Designed by AHMM, Assembly Bristol will benefit from the inclusion of the best elements drawn from the wider portfolio of developments undertaken by AXA IM - Real Assets over the last eighteen years. These include a focus on creating the best environments for occupiers – natural light and high ceilings, outside space on every floor, opening windows, a managed and shared roof terrace and best in class end-of-trip cycle facilities. Building A will be completed at the same time as a major new waterfront public space, which will be home to a rolling programme of events, public art and outdoor green places and connections by waterfront walkway to the rest of the city. The development is targeting BREEAM Excellent, WiredScore Platinum and WELL Certification.
Harry Badham, UK Director of Development at AXA IM - Real Assets, commented: “Our decision to commence the development of Assembly Bristol underlines our belief in Bristol as one of the flagship enterprise cities of the UK, underpinned by exceptional knowledge capital, strong civic leadership and ongoing investment in infrastructure. Assembly Bristol itself represents the best of our experience developing new workspaces to meet business demand and create productive, future-ready workplaces for all business sectors.
