• Swindon & Wiltshire Property
• Thursday September 10 2026

Sustainable offices 85 per cent reserved ahead of opening

Four major new occupiers have taken around 55,000 sq ft at EMBARQ Redcliff Quay, Skelton Group’s landmark speculative office refurbishment on Bristol’s waterfront, bringing the building’s total occupancy up to 85 per cent at practical completion.

Stantec, BNP Paribas, BDO and Bevan Brittan have all committed to space ahead of practical completion, which was achieved in July, leaving only 15,000 sq ft available.

The deals were led by joint agents JLL and Knight Frank.

Located at 120 Redcliff Street and overlooking Bristol’s Floating Harbour, EMBARQ is in a prime spot to deliver flexible, amenity rich, Grade A workspace in a prime city-centre location.

The extensive refurbishment provides open-plan air-conditioned office space with waterside balconies, a remodelled entrance, full height atrium, landscaped piazza and extensive end-of-journey facilities.

Sustainability has been central to EMBARQ’s design. By retaining the building’s embodied carbon-intensive concrete structure, facade and by reusing more than 90 per cent of the raised-access floor tiles, the project has significantly reduced its carbon impact when compared to constructing a new building.

EMBARQ has achieved numerous industry accreditations including BREEAM Excellent, EPC A, a four-star NABERS design and WiredScore Platinum.

Its all-electric, energy-efficient building services, new curtain walling, windows and roof are also expected to deliver a 65 per cent reduction in operational carbon emissions when compared to the previous building systems.

Skelton Groups’ decision to progress a speculative refurbishment of this scale represents a significant commitment to the Bristol office market at a time when development viability remains challenging.

Hannah Waterhouse, Bristol director for office agency, at JLL, said: “Securing four major occupiers totaling 55,000 sq ft before practical completion is a significant achievement and vote of confidence in EMBARQ.

“The calibre of the businesses joining the building, and the range of sectors they represent, demonstrate the scheme’s broad appeal.”

Andy Smith, Bristol partner for office agency, at Knight Frank, added: “Occupiers increasingly want workspace that combines a prime location, high-quality design, strong sustainability credentials and amenities that support their people’s productivity and growth aspirations.

“EMBARQ responds directly to those requirements. With only approximately 15,000 sq ft remaining in 3 smaller suites, we expect interest in the final available space to be strong.”

Simon Keefe, director at Skelton Group Investments, said: “We took the decision to progress EMBARQ because we believed in the building’s fundamentals of a waterfront location, generous common areas, flexible floor plates and Bristol’s continued ability to attract leading businesses.

“Undertaking a refurbishment of this scale in a challenging development market requires conviction and a willingness to invest in the long-term performance of the asset. Sustainability has shaped the project from the outset, from retaining the building’s existing structure and façade, to the selection of market leading equipment to drive operational performance going forward.

“Securing four major occupiers from such a diverse range of sectors before completion validates that decision and our design approach. We are delighted to welcome Stantec, BNP Paribas, BDO and Bevan Brittan to EMBARQ.”