Bickerstaffe Square wins top office title

The council offices, which form a key part of the Talbot Gateway project, picked up the prize as one of the best venues in which to work regionally.

One Bickerstaffe Square was recognised at the annual British Council for Offices North of England, North Wales and Northern Ireland property sector awards.

The awards programme looked for top quality office design and functionality.

Part of the first phase of Blackpool’s Tower Gateway Scheme, One Bickerstaffe Square picked up the award for Best Corporate Workplace, following on from an energy efficiency award it won last year, a parking award for the Talbot Road car park and an award for the overall project as Commercial Development of the Year last year from Insider magazine .

The judges praised the visual appearance of the modern external facades as well as the excellent energy efficiency credentials of the building. They said this energy efficient structure will save the taxpayer money in the future as it has enabled the council to reduce its energy costs by over a third.

Judging Chairman Andrew Woodhouse, of Mott MacDonald, said: “This winning project in Blackpool was honoured as it provides an efficient, flexible and inspiring new home for Blackpool Council, which significantly contributes to the ongoing regeneration of the town.”

Richard Kauntze, chief executive of the BCO, added: “We’re delighted to see One Bickerstaffe Square leading the way in terms of workplace design in the region, and will follow the regeneration of Blackpool with interest.”

Mike Horner, regional director of Muse Developments which delivered the Talbot Gateway scheme with Eric Wright Construction, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this award.

“This building, which is a striking addition to Blackpool’s corporate landscape, has been developed in close partnership with Blackpool Council as part of an ambitious regeneration scheme to invigorate the town. This award recognises the building’s flexibility and energy-efficiency as a modern workplace and is testament to the efforts of all those involved in its successful realisation.”

John Wilson, managing director of Eric Wright, said: “We are thrilled it has been recognised in these prestigious awards and are proud to have delivered such an impressive project.”

Efficiency is a bonus

Steve Thompson, Blackpool Council’s director of resources, said: “This is the latest in a number of awards that Talbot Gateway Central Business District has received and is more good news for the regeneration in this area.

“The new offices have allowed us to move a large number of staff into the town centre and under one roof.

“That means our services can work with each other more effectively and efficiently and, as a result, deliver a better public service. It has also allowed us to close our old, uneconomical offices and release the land for responsible development that will benefit the town.”