News / Social impact
Revamp recognised for sustainability and social impact
The refurbishment of Temple Quay House has earned a national award, recognising its strong environmental and social merits.
Originally constructed between 1999 and 2001, Temple Quay House is known for its distinctive triangular layout and a fan-shaped atrium.
Since completion, it has housed the Department for Communities and Local Government under a long-term lease. In 2019, it was acquired by Alpha Real Capital for a whopping £73.3m, with the lease extended to 2037.
The multi-million-pound upgrade of the 154,000 sq ft office space has secured a Silver Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) National Award.
The multi-million-pound upgrade of the 154,000 sq ft office space has secured a Silver Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) National Award
Delivered by BAM UK & Ireland, for the Government Property Agency, the £15m redevelopment avoided the demolition of the six-storey building by refurbishing the existing structure, saving over 400 tonnes of CO₂ emissions and diverting 45 tonnes of waste from landfill.
Kurt Williams, project manager at BAM UK & Ireland, said: “The Temple Quay House redevelopment stands as a testament to the power of sustainable and socially responsible development, reflecting BAM’s ethos of building a sustainable tomorrow.”
Through the reuse of materials, including the donation of 4,000m² of carpet tiles to charities, over £48,000 in social value was generated.
The project has also made a significant local impact, creating 72 jobs, 23 apprenticeships and 598 weeks of training.
A partnership with Whitecroft Lighting led to the launch of the Bright Futures Academy, supporting skills development in lighting, sustainability and wellbeing.
It was estimated that £7m was reinvested into the local supply chain, alongside donations to community groups and food banks through the project.
Once complete, Temple Quay House will serve as a government hub for over 2,000 civil servants and will connect to Bristol’s District Heat Network, significantly improving its carbon performance.
BAM has been praised for its data-led approach to circular construction, which is expected to set a benchmark for sustainable redevelopment in the public sector.
The £15m redevelopment avoided the demolition of the six-storey building by refurbishing the existing structure
Rachel Ashley, project director at the Government Property Agency (GPA), said: “The redevelopment of Temple Quay House is a key priority for our Government Hubs Programme, and BAM is making good progress since being appointed as the contractor.
“Our ambition is to ensure our hubs deliver social value benefits to the local region, while reducing carbon emissions as we strive to create a smaller, greener, and better government office estate.
We remain committed to delivering a modern and sustainable office space for over 2,000 civil servants in Bristol and look forward to continuing to work with BAM on this project.”
All images: BAM
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