Skanska will construct approximately 100,000 sq ft of office space over six floors, with a terrace and a function space at roof level.
As well as construction, Skanska will install the mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering services and will provide the specialist piling ground engineering solutions. The project is scheduled to run for 91 weeks.
This new-build office development forms part of the of the Swindon Kimmerfields masterplan. The site is located on a long-vacant, cleared development site located in Swindon town centre. The new Zurich Insurance office building will be the anchor project in the Kimmerfields scheme.
The building is required to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ on completion (BREEAM 2018) and to comply with Zurich’s environmental policy, and should minimise waste during construction and the overall building life cycle.
Steve Holbrook, managing director for Skanska’s building operations, said: “We are delighted to welcome Zurich as a customer, and to be part of their ongoing relationship with Swindon. The project is aiming to achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and we will use innovative construction techniques to help them realise this ambition.
“Our innovative approach enables us to deliver better and more effective projects for customers and we look forward to working with our customer to achieve this on this construction project.”
John Keppel, Chief Operating Officer for Zurich UK, said: “We’re delighted that construction work will soon be underway on Zurich’s new premises in Swindon where we enjoy a long history as one of the town’s most prominent employers. We’re pleased to be playing an important role in the ongoing regeneration of the town centre and providing employees with workplace facilities to enhance their health and wellbeing.
“In partnership with Skanska, we are working to the highest environmental standards – aiming for an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating with other initiatives including no single use plastics, minimal waste and extra facilities for cyclists.”
The pre-contract design is by a consultant team of MATT Architecture, Arup (civil & structural engineer) and Hoare Lea (MEP) with Avison Young (planning advisor). Turner & Townsend are carrying out the development manager, project manager and cost manager roles.
The Skanska team will complete the design and delivery with their own consultant team led by Alec French (architect), Ramboll (civil and structural) and Silcock Dawson (MEP).