A global testing, inspection and certification group has become the latest business to move into space at Gloucestershire's new multimillion-pound mixed-used business park.
Kiwa Central Services - part of Kiwa UK - has temporarily moved its 35-strong team into a 4,300 sq ft ground-floor office suite at the Grange in Bishop’s Cleeve. The company will relocate to a larger first-floor space in the park, which is currently being prepared to its specification, next spring. It has agreed to lease the first-floor office for 10 years, with a five year break.
Kiwa already has premises on Stoke Road, in Bishop’s Cleeve, which will remain in place as the the gas, solid fuel and renewables test labs, consultancy and training centre for the firm's energy division.
Mark Horwood, Kiwa UK chief financial officer, said: “We wanted somewhere not too far from our existing site and somewhere we could expand. We looked around but were drawn to Grange Park’s vision. It is progressive, modern, exciting and dynamic. Our employees are our most important asset, and we really liked the people first approach at Grange Park which nicely reflects our vision for Kiwa. And the building has a prestige that we feel matches our organisation.”
Grange Park is set in 14 acres of parkland next to Grangefield, a further 11 acres of accessible wetland, wildflower meadow, orchard and ponds. The Grange office building, the former HQ of Zurich Insurance, is being improved as part of the multimillion-pound project to transform the whole site. Phase one of the refurbishment includes a concierge reception and reimagined office suites from 5,000 sq ft.
Mr Horwood said: “This will be a permanent base for Central Services which supports Kiwa operations across the UK. It will give us greater profile, scope for expansion and, being surrounded by parkland, it will give our employees a very pleasant environment."
The joint letting agents for the scheme are JLL and THP. More than 45% of the Grange is already let or under offer.
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