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Latest green Cardiff offices open |
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2 Jul 2009, 11:25 AM
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The doors to Cardiff Bay’s new landmark offices - 3 Assembly Square - officially opened today. Located next to the National Assembly’s Senedd, the 66,215 sq ft building joins other environmentally friendly commercial developments such as Caspian Point and Scott Harbour as part of the regeneration of Cardiff's Waterside business district.
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3 Assembly Square was formally opened at a gathering of business representatives addressed by First Minister of Wales, Rhodri Morgan AM, and developer Aviva Investors Fund Manager, Mike Luscombe.
Mr Morgan said: “I am pleased to officially open 3 Assembly Square. The eco-features of the offices are in keeping with our One Wales commitment to make Wales a truly sustainable nation. The direct and indirect consumption of energy from buildings generates approximately 40% of all carbon emissions in the UK and it is through buildings like 3 Assembly Square that we can really make a difference and reach our target of a 3% annual emission reduction from 2011 onwards.
“These offices are also attracting new businesses to the area and are helping to put Cardiff Bay on the map as an excellent place to do business.”
Commenting on the new building Mr Luscombe said: “At Aviva Investors we believe that, through a major commitment to sustainability and its complexities, we will continue to deliver our clients’ investment objectives. The green features of 3 Assembly Square are attractive to businesses keen to lower their running costs and meet new environmental standards.”
Mr Luscombe added: “Over the past few years, Aviva Investors has made a number of real estate investments in Cardiff and Wales and we believe the Welsh capital represents a good investment prospect over the longer term.
“The development at Cardiff Waterside is now over 500,000 sq ft and we have planning permission in place for a further 500,000 sq ft. Our aim is to continue developing high-quality commercial buildings on a pre-let basis and attracting vibrant businesses to take up the remaining sites at Cardiff Waterside.”
Joint letting agents Knight Frank and Cooke & Arkwright are currently in discussions with a number of prospective occupants for the newly completed building.
Also speaking at the launch event were Cooke & Arkwright chairman, Roger Thomas, and former test cricketers Robert Croft and Ian Harvey.
Architects Scott Brownrigg and sustainability consultants Arup designed the building with environmental sustainability to the fore, incorporating state-of-the-art green technologies and systems, including a biomass boiler, chilled beams and rainwater harvesting.
These eco-features, which have seen the building achieve the prestigious BREEAM ‘Excellent’ status, will also reduce energy, water, maintenance and replacement running costs by up to 50% against a comparable building.
The offices also boast an innovative design, with timber louvers, feature exterior glazing and a full-height atrium with staircase and lifts, designed to provide panoramic views over the city.
The atrium features an eye-catching sculpture by internationally-renowned artist Claire Morgan called ‘Pressure Makes Diamonds’, which uses coal and iron to represent the industrial history of Cardiff Docks.
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