News / Property
Former government building given new lease of life
A prominent building in Clifton Village has been given a new lease of life following a £2.15m sale.
Regent House on Regent Street is set to be transformed into a flexible working hub, with property consultancy Hartnell Taylor Cook completing the deal on behalf of a private client.
The five-storey former government office, a short walk from Royal York Crescent, will be occupied by the award-winning Welsh co-working provider Desg.
The 8,500 sq ft building, which includes ground floor retail space with offices above, was comprehensively refurbished following its acquisition in 2001.
Regent House on Regent Street is set to be transformed into a flexible working hub – photo: Milan Perera
Plans now aim to upgrade it further into a mix of co-working areas, private offices and meeting spaces tailored to growing businesses and freelancers.
Founded by the property expert Ross Hooper-Nash in 2020, Desg has been expanding its workspace portfolio and is now targeting Bristol as part of its next phase of growth.
Its arrival is expected to introduce a new dynamic to Clifton’s established co-working scene.
The area is already home to two prestigious operators: Origin Workspace on Berkeley Square and Future Leap on Oakfield Road, near Clifton Cathedral.
Elsewhere in the city, DeskLodge, the award-winning hotdesking firm led by Tom Ball, operates sites on Redcliffe Way and at Beacon Tower on Colston Street.
The Cardiff-based Desg has seen a steady growth in its operations over the years with competitive pricing and features such as dog friendly offices, wellness classes and “pizza Fridays”.
The new co-working space at Regent House marks a milestone for the Welsh operator, representing its first site in England following four locations in Cardiff.
The new co-working space at Regent House marks a milestone for the Welsh operator, representing its first site in England following four locations in Cardiff – photo: Desg
According to James Frost, associate director (investment) at Hartnell Taylor Cook, the deal reflects sustained demand for well-located commercial property as working patterns continue to evolve.
He said: “It is rare that opportunities such as this become available in Clifton Village, and this transaction highlights the strength of demand for well-located office investments, offering rental growth and add value opportunity going forward.
“The purchaser’s plans to introduce a high-quality flexible workspace offering will add to Clifton Village’s appeal and support local business growth.”
The 8,500 sq ft building includes ground floor retail space with offices above on top four floors – photo: Milan Perera
Regent House is fully let and currently generates more than £200,000 in annual rental income, with further potential expected following its new arrangements.
Main photo: Milan Perera
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