Regal has taken home the Commercial Development of the Year Award for the East of England after it developed one of Watford's most energy-efficient buildings to keep operational costs low for tenants.
Clarendon Works is a 140,000-square-foot Grade A office designed by Fraser Brown Mackenna Architects and has been recognised by an independent panel of industry professionals working in the market for its environmental credentials.
The building has achieved BREEAM Excellent and is targeting an EPC A rating, with design features such as a thermally efficient facade that reduces the need for heating or cooling during summer and winter months. Water efficiency measures were also installed to reduce overall consumption.
Clarendon Works has also made a significant social impact on the town. During construction, the developers worked closely with St John’s School, providing a new playground, art competitions, bricklaying experience and a science day for the whole school.
Tenants at the scheme include serviced office group YoooServ, technology firm Epson UK and national lottery pperator, Allwyn.
About the project:
Those behind the project say that the integration of double risers in the building's core allow for split tenancies on every floor, meaning it can adapt to present and future office need.
The design decision means that each level can divided into separate units, catering to a range of potential occupiers while maintaining an efficient building layout.
PV panels have also been installed on the roof, generating renewable energy and further reducing reliance on external power sources.
What the judges said:
Katherine Friend, director in the investment and asset management team at Howard Group, said: "The developer of Clarendon Works has completed a significant and highly specified 140,000-square-foot office development with additional amenity uses.
"They have proactively considered both the development process / selection of materials as well as flexibility for present and future users. It should be a positive development for many years to come through careful planning and delivery."
Philip Silk, managing director of Graftongate Developments, added: "An inspired r-purposing of a part of Watford which has experienced much oversupply and has stimulated the local economy."
They made it happen:
Paul Eden, founder of Regal; Ghislaine Halpenny, director of ESG & corporate affairs at Regal; Sangeeta Shenoy, director at Fraser Brown Mackenna; Michael Glover, building manager at Regal.
