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Great Western Railway (GWR) has confirmed significant long-term investment in Plymouth after securing a major office building next to the city’s railway station, as part of its wider commitment to rail-led regeneration and growth in the region.
The deal represents the largest office letting in Plymouth for a decade and the largest in the region outside of Bristol.
The new lease will bring together GWR operational and administrative teams and rail industry partners in a single, modern hub immediately adjoining Plymouth station. The move strengthens the station’s role as a focal point for employment, investment and future development.
The 53,650 sq ft four-storey building, located on a two-acre site with approximately 100 parking spaces, will provide significantly enhanced accommodation for operational staff, administrative teams, and rail industry partners working in connection with station operations and future development.
The building’s prime location immediately adjoining the railway station makes it ideally suited to support GWR’s activities in Plymouth and the wider South West region. The modern facilities will offer much-improved working conditions for colleagues and enable closer collaboration with industry partners.
Originally constructed as a Royal Mail sorting office, the building was comprehensively refurbished and converted by the University of Plymouth in 2019. Following the University’s vacation in September and the grant of planning consent for office use, GWR moved to lease the space.
GWR Business Assurance Director Joe Graham said: “We are delighted to announce that GWR has secured a new building lease that will provide our teams and rail industry partners with modern, fit-for-purpose accommodation for years to come.
“This significant investment demonstrates our commitment to creating an excellent working environment for our people. The building will be refurbished to deliver substantially improved facilities for operational staff, administrative teams, and colleagues from across the wider rail industry – enabling us to better serve our passengers and communities.”
Hector Pearce and Altitude Investments acted jointly for the landlord, supported by Temple Bright LLP Solicitors, with additional support from Tozers LLP on planning.
Andrew Hector of Hector Pearce commented: “Simon Bennett and I previously advised Royal Mail on the letting to the University of Plymouth and subsequent investment sale and we are really pleased to have supported the now owner in securing an almost immediate sequential letting to GWR. This is the largest office letting in Plymouth for a decade and the largest in the region outside of Bristol. It will bring significant investment to Plymouth City Centre and could act as a catalyst for the wider redevelopment of the railway station”.
Simon Bennett of Altitude Investments added: “I am delighted to have again worked with Andrew Hector in quickly securing a long-term tenant of high quality for this building. This is a real boost for the Plymouth and South West office market. Given the building’s central location and proximity to Plymouth station, there were advantages for GWR in taking the lease, and we look forward to working with them going forward.”
Image credit: GWR
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