Government agency set to relocate to Coventry

The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulations (Ofqual) has announced it will relocate to Coventry.

Ofqual will now take 11,500 sq ft on a long-term lease at One Friargate after Coventry City Council agreed to a deal with the Government Property Agency (GPA).

One Friargate is already home to Coventry City Council, Homes England, and the Financial Ombudsman Service, and is fast becoming a dynamic public sector hub.

The announcement comes after energy supplier Octopus confirmed it would move staff to Grade A office building Two Friargate in a landmark deal.

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration, and climate change, at Coventry City Council, said: “Friargate is becoming a real commercial hub and Ofqual’s decision to re-locate to One Friargate is good news especially as its hot on the heels of the build out of Two Friargate and the recent opening of Hotel Indigo.

“With a continued commitment to Coventry, Ofqual will be able to benefit from a central location, right next to the railway and just a short walk to the city centre.

“It’s a further vote of confidence in our city as a great location for both public and private sector organisations – coming quickly after Octopus has committed to move to Two Friargate. All of this is great news as it will secure and create jobs in the city.”

Coventry City Council was represented by Cushman & Wakefield and the Government Property Agency was represented by BNP Paribas.