Revamped heritage office secures tenant

A historic Solent office building has been revitalised and let to a new tenant following a comprehensive refurbishment.

Global energy services group OEG has signed a five-year lease on a Grade II-listed office at The Granary on the Cams Hill Estate in Fareham, near Portsmouth. 

The 3345sq ft building has been refurbished and brought back to market by property consultancy Vail Williams on behalf of landlord The Connaught Trust.

The refurbishment programme focused on enhancing occupier appeal while improving energy efficiency, with upgrades including modern mechanical and electrical systems, internal reconfiguration and external restoration works. 

A new energy-efficient air conditioning system has also been installed, supporting the building’s potential to operate at net-zero carbon when paired with renewable energy.

Russell Mogridge, Vail Williams’ head of agency for office and industrial occupation, development and investment, said: “As any owner of a Grade II-listed building will know, making changes to transform ‘old’ space with legacy energy systems can be challenging because of the understandable planning restrictions.

“We worked collaboratively with the in-house team and local heritage officer to deliver the right balance between heritage.

“By doing so, the works increased marketability, improved energy performance and preserved historical character.

“This considered refurbishment, and the parkland setting by Fareham Creek, with quick access to the M27 Solent Corridor between Portsmouth and Southampton, appealed to OEG.”

The Connaught Trust, a charity supporting reserve forces and cadets, sought to revitalise the vacant property and secure a long-term occupier.

Jules Rogers, secretary of The Connaught Trust, added: “Not only did the project finish on time and on budget, but Vail Williams were also always reliable, responsive and highly organised, developing an excellent working relationship with us, contractors and Fareham Borough Council. 

“We were kept well-briefed on what was happening and what needed to be done, so that the trustees could be kept fully informed.”

OEG, headquartered in Aberdeen and operating globally across offshore oil, gas and wind sectors, will use the site to strengthen its presence in the Solent region.

A spokesperson for OEG added: “Our new Solent region office is a part of our strategic growth plan, serving as a trusted partner for our customers and supporting secure, cleaner, safer and more efficient energy production." 

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