Swindon's iconic Spectrum Building to get £5 million makeover
Real estate and asset manager AEW is to spend nearly £5 million refurbishing the Spectrum Building, the iconic Grade II listed building designed by renowned architect Sir Norman Foster as a distribution centre for automotive firm Renault.
With its bright yellow steel masts and glass walls, the design by Sir Norman – who went on to design The Gherkin and Wembley Stadium – won the Financial Times Architecture at Work Award in 1984, but is perhaps best known as the lair of villain Max Zorin in the James Bond movie A View to a Kill.
Construction began in 1982 and the building was opened by the French Secretary of State for Consumer Affairs, Catherine Lalumiere, in 1983. It was used by Renault until 2001, since when it has been used by car seat supplier TS Tech, and the children’s play area Kidz About.
Now the owners are to pour £4.7 million to "breathe a new lease of life" into the building.
The programme of works includes a refurbishment of the roof, repair and redecoration of the steel frame, and cladding and utility provisions to enable multiple occupancy.
Michael Shears, director at AEW UK, said: "It is a privilege to be playing such an important role in the refurbishment and development of this iconic building on behalf of our investors.
"Our efforts are focused on ensuring that the historic High Tech character of the Spectrum Building is maintained while increasing its sustainability and creating a truly green asset for the community in Swindon."
Alex Herrmann, partner at MAPP Building Consultancy, which is project managing the refurbishment, added: "MAPP are very proud and excited to be part of the refurbishment of this historic and architecturally important building.
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"The intense scrutiny on sustainability and the changing way occupiers are interacting with the built environment has made refurbishments such as this even more important.
"We are pleased to be working alongside AEW UK in ensuring that this important building remains fit for purpose for its next phase of life."
The main contractor will be Swindon-based construction firm Beard.
