Add your comments
News RSS feedNews
28 Jan 08Planning Committee Approve New Offices For Barclays
Borough of Poole's plans to revitalise the Town Centre received a major boost last week when approval for the development of two high quality office buildings was granted by the Council's Planning Committee.
The buildings, at a site in West Quay Road in Poole, will provide the new home for Barclays PLC in the region. It is being developed by a joint venture company comprising ASDA who own the site, and Marsh Baxter, ASDA's development partner. Construction is due to begin in 2008 and is expected to be completed in 2010.
This site acts as a gateway to a newly created urban environment linking the waterside with the heart of Poole. As a result, a great deal of consideration has been given to the design and operation of the buildings which will provide over 100,000sq ft of modern office space.
The Borough of Poole has worked closely with ASDA and Barclays to ensure the town's needs were met whilst also ensuring the development satisfied the requirements of the occupier. Barclays intend to employ approximately 850 staff on the site which has uninterrupted views to Holes Bay. It also has excellent network connections with the proximity to the town centre bus and train network.
Cllr Ron Parker - Portfolio Holder for the Economy, Borough of Poole said: "I was delighted when Barclays announced that they wanted to continue to invest in Poole and this Planning Approval is a significant step to achieving a prestigious new office block on an important gateway into the town. It has been exciting to see the transformation of the old Dalgety Mills site. Once this land provided employment for less than a 100 people, by the time this development is complete there will be more than a 1,000 jobs together with more than 160 new homes and a new superstore."
Jim Bright - Strategic Director, Borough of Poole said: "From the day that Barclays told us that Barclays House no longer met its needs, the Council has worked positively with Barclays and Asda to find a Poole based solution. Poole is an exciting place to be at the moment and the quality of this development will help re-define the town's commercial market. The Council will continue to work hard to ensure the town gets a good balance between home, shops and a range of jobs in the town centre."
Jonathan Refoy - Head of Property Communications, ASDA said: "We are delighted to have received the support from the Council for this development and to have worked in partnership with them throughout the planning process. The new offices represent a significant investment into the local and regional economy; enhancing Poole and the south coast of England's reputation as one of the UK's premier commercial office locations."
Directgov