Planning minister Nick Boles and Bristol Mayor George Ferguson have inaugurated Bristol’s first major speculative office buildi
ng since the recession started – the 100,000 sq ft 2 Glass Wharf at Temple Quay.
The £35m project, being developed by Salmon Harvester Properties and funded by NFU Mutual, is seen as a shot in the arm for Bristol’s economy and particularly the Enterprise Zone around Temple Meads station.
Coming a day after cities minister Greg Clark officially opened Brunel’s original Engine Shed at Temple Meads, now transformed into base for fledgling hi-tech firms, the inauguration of 2 Glass Wharf was leapt on by Mr Ferguson as proof that Bristol is bouncing back.
He described it as a brave move by Salmon Harvester but said it reflected his view that Bristol needed to be bold to take advantage of opportunities as the economy comes out of recession.
“With an over-heating London, Bristol is clearly the best place for investment in the UK.” He told a gathering of property and investment industry figures at the event.
“I said that in the States recently and the following day it was all over the international press.”
He said the building could be a catalyst for further development in the Enterprise Zone, which Mr Boles said was already one of the best performing in England.
Mr Boles said: “Enterprise zones are playing a vital role in securing economic growth around the country and this scheme in Bristol is a prime example of the opportunity they bring.”
Salmon Harvester acquired the 0.3-acre site in November 201 from the administrators of Castlemore, the original devel
oper of the Temple Quay business park which became a victim of the property slump during the early part of the recession. Salmon Harvester has since acquired a number of other sites at Temple Quay for future development.
