Basingstoke: The Florence Building offers lowest cost per workstation in region

Mark Glatman's Abstract Securities has announced that its associate company, Abstract (Basingstoke), will complete The Florence Building, its ‘uncompromising value’ office scheme, on July 23. It will be the town’s first new speculative offices in 15 years offering the lowest cost per workstation in the South East. 

A landmark development located in Basing View, Hampshire, The Florence Building comprises 60,535 sq ft of Grade A space on ground and four upper floors. Notably, the building offers flexible, virtually column-free floorplates from approximately 9,200 sq ft to 12,400 sq ft. It is designed to a BREEAM 'Excellent' 2014 and an EPC 'A' rating to provide some of the most efficient and environmentally friendly office accommodation available.

In addition, 203 under-cover car parking spaces will provide the best car parking ratio of any new speculative town-centre office building in the South East.

The interior will be finished to a full Cat A standard including air-conditioning, suspended metal ceilings, LED lighting and raised floors. A contemporary reception area will feature a double-height glazed atrium space, while lockers and shower facilities on the ground floor are adjacent to 48 secure covered cycle spaces.There is potential for up to 24 electric vehicle fast-charging points.

It is the fourth in a series of Abstract’s “uncompromising value” speculative office developments and follows on the heels of successful developments in Gatwick, Croydon and Glasgow, where a similar methodology has been well received by the market.

Mark Glatman, chief executive of Abstract, said: "Our scheme represents a superb opportunity for occupiers to take highly cost efficient space in Basing View, in a London-quality building with the ability to incorporate the latest workplace initiatives. For example, the 'cost per workstation' based on an occupancy of 1:8m² per person in the Florence Building is just £3,400 per annum when compared with £3,700 in Farnborough,  £4,800 in Reading and £5,600 in Guildford. Total occupancy cost in The Florence Building is over 75% lower than the West End core and nearly 30% lower than in central Reading*.”

A prime business location, Basing View offers an unparalleled location to enhance profitability and work life balance. It benefits from Enterprise Zone status with a new £10 million landscaped public realm and a dynamic mix of office, retail and leisure amenities for staff. 

Just eight minutes’ walk to the train station (42 minutes to London, Waterloo) and just five minutes’ walk to leisure amenities;  a new proposed Village Hotel with gym, swimming pool, café and meeting/events space will soon join John Lewis Home and Waitrose.

Basingstoke is a rapidly growing town and one of the most affluent in the UK, surrounded by exceptional countryside with access to a significant pool of talent and easy access to some of the most desirable residential addresses.

The scheme is designed by TP Bennett and Bowmer & Kirkland is the contractor.  Savills and RARE are jointly marketing The Florence Building.