Case study: Regenerating Peterborough
Updated 24 August 2023
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1. Regenerating Peterborough
Quay House in Peterborough is the Government Property Agency’s (GPA) first new build Hub within the Government Hubs Programme. It sits at the gateway to Fletton Quays and is a crucial part of the £120 million regeneration project for Peterborough.
The Hub was opened in March 2023 to 1,200 civil servants from five government bodies including Defra, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Environment Agency, Natural England and the HM Passport Office.
Quay House is part of the Government Hubs Programme which exists to create a portfolio of regional office buildings for multi-departmental use. The programme is rationalising the government office estate across the UK to realise greater efficiencies and reduce carbon emissions. The Hubs also play a pivotal role in the Levelling Up agenda supporting the relocation of 22,000 Civil Service roles from London and the south-east.
Four offices will close as civil servants relocate to Quay House. These closures will save an expected £9.1million (based on a 20Yr NPV) in operating costs, returning money to the public purse.
1.1 Aligning with Government workplace standards
The project concept was developed by Defra in 2017. The GPA inherited a RIBA Stage 2 concept design which didn’t align to the Government Workplace Design Guide. The GPA implemented changes to ensure the Hub met the government workplace standards:
- introduced wellbeing and reflection areas
- installed sit/stand desks (aka rise and fall desks)
- improved security technologies and blast mitigation security protocols
- designed in a mix of gender-specific and gender neutral toilet facilities to each floor
The GPA also added a Business and Events Centre to the Hub which is available for government departments to hire, reducing government expenditure on hiring external venues.
1.2 Smaller, better, greener
External building works were completed in February 2022, and internal works were completed in October the same year. After internal personalisation, including furniture and data and technology installations, the GPA began its phased induction programme in January 2023. The building was officially opened by Cabinet Office Minister Alex Burghart in March 2023.
With seven floors and more than 10,000m2, Quay House is providing flexible, digitally-connected workspaces to support greater productivity, create cost efficiencies and enhance carbon reduction.
Quay House is built to BREEAM Excellent standard. Energy data monitoring and connection to the District Heating Scheme will deliver a low carbon energy efficient building with an Energy Performance Certificate in the top quartile.
1.3 Working better together
With thanks to our delivery partners:
- Developer - Bride Hall Developments Ltd
- Cat A - Bowmer and Kirkland
- Cat B - Overbury
- Strategic Partners - Atkins, AECOM
- Facilities Management - ISS