Durham’s first speculative office development in a decade names construction contractor

The Hanro Group and iMpeC Developments have announced Brims as their contractor for the development of Durham City’s first speculatively-built ‘Grade A’ office building in more than a decade, The Fram Well.

The developers will undertake the final stages of the contracting process with Brims before a planned start on site in Spring. The site is currently undergoing a programme of demolition works to remove the dilapidated office structure and completed preparation works.

Brims is a privately owned and managed construction company, based in Sunderland, with expertise in delivering projects in sectors such as housing, civic buildings, commercial property and healthcare.

Brims’ recent projects include the upgrade of Durham’s Old Shire Hall to create the four-star Hotel Indigo, the construction of Liveworks office development overlooking Newcastle’s Quayside and the new Tombola headquarters in Sunderland.

The regeneration of The Fram Well site, which is located off Framwellgate Peth immediately adjacent to Durham’s mainline railway station, will create a 12,000 square foot, three floor building containing high specification, flexible, open plan ‘Grade A’ offices.

Rejuvenating an area of the city that has been allowed to become rundown, the development has the potential to attract up to 150 new jobs to Durham.

It will complement the planned developments at Aykley Heads and the imminent construction of Milburngate on the Riverside, which, combined, will significantly improve Durham’s portfolio of commercial property and enhance its position both regionally and nationally.

Brims will work closely with the development team to realise the vision for The Fram Well, which has been designed by award winning Mawson Kerr, the creative Newcastle based architects practice.

Its appearance compliments its location and the site’s heritage as a former engineering works to perfectly blend into the surrounding environment, utilising modern materials and construction methods.

It has been designed to provide an environment focused on the wellbeing of those who will work there; among its features will be new external landscaping, an outdoor breakout space with impressive views across Durham City.

Cllr Carl Marshall, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “The Fram Well will be the first Grade A office accommodation in our area, with facilities of this kind having always been in high demand among businesses looking to invest in the heart of Durham.

“The state-of-the-art development is in a key strategic location, linking the Milburngate scheme to Aykley Heads, and is within a stone’s throw of the train station whilst overlooking our beautiful historic city.

“We are looking forward to seeing the developments at the Fram Well site regenerate the area, as it brings space for a possible 150 further skilled jobs to Durham.”

Neil McMillan, managing director of iMpeC Developments, said: “Brims have an excellent reputation for delivering high quality and innovative buildings in the region and I am pleased to select the company as our preferred contractor. I’m looking forward to working with the team at Brims over the coming months to complete The Fram Well and deliver much-needed modern workspace for the city.”

“I’m encouraged that ahead of starting our formal marketing for The Fram Well we have already received a number of expressions of interest from prospective tenants. This re-affirms our view that Durham is a city where businesses want to be located.

“With a world class university, city centre amenity and an east coast mainline station on our doorstep, The Fram Well will appeal to employers that appreciate how the workplace is a crucial part of the equation in attracting and retaining talented people.”

Richard Wood, director of Brims, said: “We have worked with The Hanro Group in the past and look forward to working with them again, in conjunction with iMpeC, to successfully deliver the project.”