Construction underway on The Fram Well office development in Durham City

Building work is underway on a Grade-A office development that could deliver up to 150 new jobs.

The Fram Well, in the heart of Durham, is the city’s first speculatively built Grade-A office development in more than a decade.

Construction company Brims, based in Sunderland, is delivering the 12,000sq ft building on behalf of The Hanro Group and iMpeC Developments.

Based off Framwellgate Peth in a central part of Durham, the project will create flexible, open-plan offices across three floors designed by award-winning architects Mawson Kerr.

The Fram Well, which developers say has the potential to create up to 150 jobs, has also been designed with workers’ wellbeing in mind, with new external landscaping and an outdoor breakout space offering impressive views across the city.

Adam Serfontein, managing director of The Hanro Group, which is based in Newcastle, said The Fram Well reflects developers’ acknowledgement of the growing interest from potential occupiers for high-quality offices in Durham City.

He said: “The Fram Well sends a positive message that Durham is developing the capacity to welcome quality businesses, which want high-specification offices that place productivity and the wellbeing of their workforce as priorities.”

Neil McMillan, managing director of iMpeC Developments, added: “The interest that exists in the Durham market from potential office occupiers gives us the confidence to build The Fram Well without a tenant and play our part in welcoming more employers to the city.

“I am looking forward to seeing Brims realise our vision of The Fram Well and producing office space that adds value to Durham City as a location that can help attract and retain the best talent.”