Imperial Tobacco Group has been granted planning consent for a new 100,000 sq ft global head office in Bristol.
The company said it was the biggest “occupier-led” office development the city has seen since the beginning of the downturn.
Bristol City Council granted consent for the new offices on Winterstoke Road following Imperial Tobacco’s review of potential locations across Europe.
The four-storey building will accommodate employees based at the company’s existing offices in Bristol and Slough.
Imperial Tobacco has appointed Bristol-based commercial developer Eagle Land as development manager.
Paul Withers, director at Eagle Land, said: “We are working with Imperial Tobacco to develop a very energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly building.
“Construction of the new head office could begin in summer 2011, following demolition works, with occupation by the end of 2012.”
Bristol commercial agent Burston Cook is advising Imperial Tobacco on the proposals.
David Burston, senior partner at Burston Cook, said: “The proposed new development is a significant boost for the City and particularly south Bristol, coming from a company with such an important heritage.
“It will be the largest occupier-led office development the city has seen since the start of the recession and will give a vote of confidence in the group retaining a presence.”
Imperial Tobacco will retain the freehold of the new building and will sell the Slough and existing HQ building at Upton Road, Bristol, both of which are owned freehold.
nathan.cross@estatesgazette.com
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