Weaver selected for prestigious new contract

Building 500 is the latest phase of Pettifer Estates’ development at the 40-acre business park, which has a campus-style layout set in mature parkland. Due for completion in early Spring 2008, the two-storey building will incorporate a combination of leading edge design and high quality specification finishes. The construction comprises steel frame and pre-cast concrete unit floors with exterior brickwork and cladding. A Brise Soleil shading system has been incorporated into the design to provide an aesthetically pleasing solution to control solar gain as well as assisting with compliance to building regulations Part L.

Flexible accommodation will be spread over two floorplates that include raised access floors, comfort cooling and heating systems and suspended ceilings with concealed lighting. Particular attention is being paid to the reception and central core areas to create an inspiring first impression and top quality working environment.

Mark Weaver, Marketing Director at Weaver PLC, said: “Pettifer Estates wishes to raise the bar in terms of Building 500’s physical appearance while remaining uncompromising on its buildability. Balancing these two sides of the equation can often throw up construction challenges which Weaver relishes and has become known for overcoming. Working on a ‘live’ site also means that we have to be fully aware of the existing tenants and their day-to-day needs.” The first phase of Pettifer Estates’ transformation of Abbey Park was completed last Autumn when AGCO, one of the world’s largest manufacturers and distributors of agricultural equipment, moved into its new £20m European operations centre.

David MacMullen, Development Director at Pettifer Estates, commented: “We are creating something rather special at Abbey Park with Building 500, which will set the blueprint for future construction on the site. Our first building was an 85,000 sq ft HQ complex for AGCO. This building is to a different scale and needs a very personal touch. Weaver has a reputation in the industry for close attention to detail and quality of finishes, so the company was the ideal choice for this project.”