Multi-million pound improvements completed at office development

A £4m investment into Central House in Harrogate completed this week.

It has delivered a striking new reception, common areas, café and courtyard, with break-out workspace offering free WiFi and plug in points.

Bookable meeting room, a cycle spa, showers, drying room and lockers have also been provided for the building’s 1,000 plus occupants.

Acquired in 1999, Central House is the largest office development in Harrogate offering 168,571 sq ft of prime workspace.

More than 85% of the building is already let to 15 businesses with only 15,000 sq ft available on the first floor and ground floor, both can also be sub divided into smaller suites.

Olivia Hughes, investment manager at CEG, said: “We survey our customers each year to find out how our workspaces can work better for them.

“More and more we are finding that businesses want space that will help to attract and retain the best talent.

“With occupant satisfaction and wellbeing acting as a key driver for the project, we have provided new facilities as well as innovative spaces which will encourage collaboration, where staff can eat, meet, drink and work in a healthy and productive environment.

“While everyone may not return to the office full time, the pandemic has shown that team engagement is vital for a successful business to thrive.

“A healthy office environment, with fewer touch points, plenty of space, Covid-safe cleaning regimes and great ventilation is all the more important, as well as enough space to allow for flexible working and social distancing.”

JLL and Carter Jonas have been appointed as letting agents.

Richard Thornton, director of JLL, said: “It’s clear that as lockdown eases and we come out of a covid environment, occupiers are reviewing their property strategy.

“Whilst the size of their requirements may be reducing with more emphasis on working from home, there is a much greater need for collaboration when in the office.

“As such, occupiers are wanting to upgrade the quality of their accommodation. Without doubt Central House is well positioned to capitalise on this flight to quality and meet demand for the best space in town.”

Chris Hartnell, associate partner at Carter Jonas, added: “The refurbishment delivered by CEG makes Central House one of the most desirable office buildings in Harrogate.

“The quality of existing occupiers is testament to this and, with vacant space on the ground and first floor, there is an exciting opportunity for businesses seeking to grow or relocate to take advance of this high quality environment.”

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