AshbyCapital and U+I have received planning approval for No 1 and No 3 The Future Works, a 260,000 sq ft office campus in Slough.
The scheme, designed by architecture firm Sheppard Robson, will target net zero carbon emissions.
The resolution to grant was made unanimously at a virtual committee on 10 March, subject to the “satisfactory” completion of a section 106 agreement.
No 1 The Future Works will offer 170,000 sq ft of office and retail space across 12 storeys, with roof terraces. The retail offer will measure 4,000 sq ft across three units.
No 3 comprises 92,000 sq ft of office space, including a large communal roof terrace. No 2 has already completed.
The scheme’s features include new public realm spaces, including a botanical pavilion and outdoor auditorium, as well as a yoga lawn and kitchen garden on its roof terraces, gym facilities and bicycle parking.
The joint venture said it will be an all-electric development that seeks to be compatible with fifth generation district energy networks.
It is aiming to exceed a 40% reduction in annual carbon emissions, in comparison with an identically-sized average building from the 2000s. The jv plans to achieve this by using integrated PV panels, a “high-performance” façade and solar control, electric vehicle charging, rainwater harvesting and site-wide heat reclaim.
Peter Ferrari, chief executive of AshbyCapital, said: “Covid-19 has accelerated some trends we were already seeing in the office market: increased flexibility, more widespread use of technology, and a greater focus on collaboration, wellness and community.
“No 1 and No 3 The Future Works will be best-in-class examples of innovative, future-proofed office buildings that facilitate collaboration and prioritise the health and wellbeing of their occupants; perfectly suiting the evolving demands of occupiers.
“As interest grows in high-quality, well-connected workspaces outside of major city centres, the new phases of The Future Works are ideally placed to capitalise on this demand.”
Paul Patenall, project director at U+I, said: “Slough already has the highest concentration of global headquarters outside London and multiple titles for being a great place to live and work.
“With the Elizabeth Line and a number of other major regeneration projects underway, the future is bright for Slough.”
Lichfields advised on planning matters. JLL and Cushman & Wakefield are the leasing agents on the scheme.
To send feedback, e-mail pui-guan.man@egi.co.uk or tweet @PuiGuanM or @estatesgazette
