Fasthosts is set to move its headquarters to the new £107m Forum development in Gloucester.
The relocation aims to consolidate its workforce and support its long-term expansion.
New Headquarters at The Forum
Fasthosts, the leading internet services provider, is relocating its headquarters to the prestigious Forum development in Gloucester. The project is part of a significant £200m regeneration effort led by Gloucester City Council and the developer Reef Group. This move is expected to bring together 250 employees into a 19,000 sq ft office space at No2 Cathedral Walk by the end of the year. Founded in 1998 in Gloucester, Fasthosts has since grown into a key player in the data centre services sector.
Fasthosts CEO, Simon Yeoman, expressed enthusiasm about the move, stating, “At Fasthosts, our growth has driven us to outgrow our current office spaces. This move to The Forum allows us to bring everyone together in one central, modern office. Staying true to our roots in Gloucester was essential and this space aligns perfectly with our sustainability and CSR goals.”
Strategic Significance of the Move
The relocation to The Forum is strategically significant for Fasthosts, offering numerous benefits. The new office space will provide a modern and contemporary environment, which is crucial for a hi-tech business. Additionally, the location boasts excellent transport connections, making it convenient for current employees and attractive to future talent.
The Forum development is designed to attract fast-growth, innovative technology companies. Peter Langly-Smith, Development Director at Reef Group, highlighted this vision: “Our drive to create a future-ready working environment with high-class facilities, coupled with our commitment to a highly sustainable building, has been a real draw for companies moving to The Forum.”
Community and Economic Impact
The Forum’s opening will bring more than just a workspace for Fasthosts. It will also feature shops, restaurants, and a Hotel Indigo, contributing significantly to the local economy.
The broader £200m regeneration project in Gloucester, which includes the University of Gloucestershire’s City Campus development on Kings Square, aims to revitalise the city centre. Gloucester City Council leader, Cllr Jeremy Hilton, stated, “The development is now nearing completion, and the site will come to life later this year as Fasthosts and other companies move in, with the public being able to walk through a new city centre street.”
Fasthosts’ Commitment to Sustainability
Fasthosts has underscored its commitment to sustainability through this move. The new headquarters at The Forum is in line with the company’s environmental and corporate social responsibility goals. The state-of-the-art facilities are designed to meet contemporary sustainability standards, reflecting Fasthosts’ dedication to reducing its ecological footprint.
The company’s focus on sustainability also extends to the well-being of its employees. The new office space offers a modern, collaborative working environment that promotes productivity and employee satisfaction.
The Role of Property Consultancy Bruton Knowles
Property consultancy Bruton Knowles has played a pivotal role in facilitating Fasthosts’ move to The Forum. The firm’s expertise has been instrumental in securing this significant deal for Gloucester.
Dorian Wragg, Partner and Head of Commercial Property at Bruton Knowles, remarked, “This move by Fasthosts reinforces the region’s status as a leading digital and cyber security centre in the UK, which is already home to major organisations such as GCHQ and the National Cyber Security Centre.”
Future Prospects for The Forum
The Forum development has garnered substantial interest from various companies, indicating a bright future for the project. There has already been overwhelming confidence demonstrated by businesses showing strong interest in the remaining workspaces.
With Fasthosts as the cornerstone of The Forum, the development is poised to become a hub for digital and creative enterprises in Gloucester. This will not only boost local interest but also attract further investment and promote residential growth in the area.
Dorian Wragg further added, “Fasthosts will be the cornerstone of The Forum, at the heart of a new digital and creative centre for the city, which will in turn boost local interest, attract further investment, draw visitors and tourists, and encourage residential growth, all contributing to the revitalisation of the city centre.”
Fasthosts’ relocation to The Forum marks a significant milestone in its growth trajectory and reaffirms its commitment to Gloucester. The move is set to bring numerous benefits to the local community and economy.
As Fasthosts settles into its new headquarters, The Forum development promises to become a central hub for innovation and sustainability in Gloucester, paving the way for further growth and development in the region.
