Central Square developer Rightacres Property has awarded a £65m contract to construction company, Sir Robert McAlpine, to build the new UK Government Hub building on the site of the former Western Mail & Echo print works
The 12 storey building, designed by the world’s largest architectural practice Gensler, is due for completion at the end of 2019 with the first set of UK Government civil servants due to move into the new offices in 2020. At over 270,000 sq ft the building will be one of the largest office buildings ever built in Wales and can accommodate over 4,000 people. HMRC will be one of the main occupiers.
Paul McCarthy, Rightacres Chief Executive said: “Sir Robert McAlpine played a big part in helping us secure the Hub to Central Square. They have a fantastic local team each of whom has an impressive portfolio and we look forward to working with them to deliver this project.”
Peter Munn, Wales and West Managing Director of Sir Robert McAlpine said: “We are delighted to have been appointed following the collaborative dialogue with Rightacres in developing proposals and reaching contract award. The commencement of the construction work marks a key milestone for the project for which we are very proud to be a part of, and we look forward to working closely with all stakeholders in realising this exciting development.”
Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns said:
“This Government is committed to delivering the best quality public services in every corner of the UK. This new build is great news for Cardiff, and will deliver a range of benefits to people in the capital and beyond, from improved public space and transport, to employment opportunities during construction.”
As part of the overall commitment to source local labour and materials Sir Robert McAlpine will be hosting a number of ‘Meet the Buyer’ events. Clare Gallagher, Senior Project Manager said: “Rightacres has made an ongoing commitment to source local labour and materials across the Central Square development and we intend carrying this through by hosting buying events where anybody interested in supplying us can meet the team and exchange details.”
Russel Goodway, Cardiff Council’s Cabinet Member for Investment & Development commented: “The decision to locate the new UK Government Hub at Central Square effectively confirms how right we as a Council were back in 2013 to take the decision to regenerate this part of the city.”
Huw Thomas, Leader of Cardiff Council added: “Central Square continues to deliver both construction and permanent jobs in what is de facto now our Business District. By 2020 the location will be home to over 10,000 workers – the economic impact will be colossal.”
Sir Robert McAlpine is supported by a world class professional team that includes ARUP as both structural & mechanical engineers and MACE as project managers.
The UK Government project takes the total gross square footage at Central Square to 1,000,000 sq ft and includes the new BBC Cymru Wales Headquarters due for completion in April next year.
