Flexible workspace provider Regus will open new offices in a converted manor house on a Gloucestershire business park.
Regus, which is part of the global IWG group, has signed a 10-year agreement for The Manor at Grange Park, the former site of Zurich Insurance's headquarters. The company is planning to offer businesses, freelancers and hybrid workers access to more than 100 desks and co-working spaces from the summer.
Mark Dixon, chief executive and founder of IWG, commented: "We are establishing a stronger and much-needed footprint in Cheltenham with this latest opening. As an important business hub, Grange Park is a fantastic place for us to boost our expansion plans.
"The need for high-quality flexible workspaces continues to soar as hybrid working becomes the new normal. We are very pleased to work in partnership with the landlord to develop the Regus brand by adding a cutting-edge workspace to their campus."
The Grade II-listed manor is part of the 185,000 sq ft workplace campus in Gloucestershire, which is currently undergoing multimillion-pound improvements.
The former residence, which provides 8,147 sq ft of space over four floors., was built in 1865 as a family home, and later bought in 1939 by Smiths Industries. Refurbishment of the building is currently underway inside and out.
The manor and its neighbouring building, The Grange, sit in a green site on the A435 at Bishop's Cleeve, a short drive from GCHQ, which is being reimagined as a "people first" mixed use campus where staff and visitors can work, relax and exercise in its 14 acres of parkland.
Mr Dixon added: "Our workplace model is also proven to increase productivity and allows for a business to scale up or down at significantly reduced costs.”
The Regus agreement follows Polo Works signing up for 14,000 sq ft and Kiwa taking 5,400 sq ft of The Grange's 185,000 sq ft of offices, where existing tenants include Capita.
Richard Crabb, a partner at the site's joint marketing agents THP, said: “The arrival of Regus secures a powerful international brand not yet represented in or near Cheltenham, bringing a flexible and high quality serviced office option to an attractive building.
“This is an important addition to the offering at Grange Park, with the first phase of reimagined office space in the main building well under way. Regus follows the first major signing to Polo Works and there will be more news to follow.”
Ian Wills, director at commercial property firm JLL, added: “It is amazing to be discussing yet another deal at Grange Park. Partnering with Regus means Grange Park can now offer space of all sizes and time commitments. If you want one desk for six months or 1,000 desks for 15 years, we can do it.”
Rents at Grange Park are very attractive at up to 50% less than equivalent space in the town centre. And The Grange’s 60,000 sq ft floor plates are some of the largest in the South West.
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