CS2000 let to Wales and West Utilities bringing 300 jobs to Business Park

A newly launched gas distribution business is investing £52 million to create a new administrative centre at Celtic Springs Business Park, Newport for more than 300 staff.

Wales & West Utilities, formerly part of National Grid Transco, was launched on 1st June after its £1.2 billion acquisition by a consortium of long-term investors led by Australia's Macquarie Bank Group.

The business, which currently has offices in Cardiff and Bristol, employs more than 1,200 people across Wales and the West country. Around 100 new jobs will also be created in a new initiative to be launched shortly.

The news follows the recent letting of Celtic Springs' flagship building CS1000 to the Prison Service, creating 500 new jobs. Both new occupiers will join Integra Office Solutions and take the total number of jobs at the park to just under 1,000.

Wales and West Utilities decided on CS2000, the third phase of development at Celtic Springs Business Park, Newport after an extensive search for the right site.
Chief Executive, Graham Edwards, said:

“Our search took us along the M4 corridor, the M5 and the M32 but in the end the Celtic Springs development in Newport was by far the best option for the company, both because of its convenient location and financially. We had extensive talks with the Welsh Assembly Government and the Welsh Development Agency and we are extremely grateful to them for their advice and assistance.”

Iain Logue, Operations Director, AWG Property Ltd, joint development partner for Celtic Springs, along with Broadhall Ltd said:

“It is an exciting time on the park as we now see our third phase come to reality. Wales and West Utilities considered their options carefully and looked at a number of different locations, so we are naturally delighted they chose Celtic Springs. We look forward to welcoming them to the park.

“Activity levels at the park are high, with new interest soaring. Our aim is provide a business park that stands out against the rest and leads the way in high quality specifications and design.

“Along with CS2000, we also hope to announce a new deal in the near future on our office village CS5000, plus release details on speculative builds on the park.”

Cllr Erryl Heath, Cabinet Member for Development and Employment Newport City Council said:

“The Council welcomes the decision of Wales & West Utilities to choose Newport for its new Headquarters. The company recognised the strategic location that the Celtic Springs site, on the west side of Newport, offers in relation to their operational area and the superior access to a large labour catchment.

“The Council look forward to working alongside this key new employer and investor in Newport to help ensure it takes full advantage of its chosen location.”

Regional Selective Assistance grant aid will be provided by the Assembly Government to help meet the cost of establishing the 35,000 sq.ft administrative centre.

Set on three floors and framed by mature trees on three sides CS2000 has been designed to the highest quality specification. The building will be partially clad in silver panels and create a striking addition to the park and a superior working environment for Wales and West Utilities.

More than 220 people formerly employed at the company's offices at Grangetown and Llanishen in Cardiff will transfer to Newport when the building is complete - as will around 80 staff currently working in Bristol.

Work is due to commence shortly onsite, with occupation by Wales and West in June 2006.

Hutchings & Thomas acted for AWG/Broadhall and Knight Frank acted for
Wales & West Utilities Limited.