A global energy services group has expanded into the Solent region.
OEG, which operates in 65 countries across six continents, provides high-quality services to underpin offshore oil, gas and wind production.
In a deal through property consultancy Vail Williams, OEG signed a five-year on a detached Grade II-listed office building on the Cams Hill Estate in Fareham.
At an annual rent of £70,225 per annum, the premises at The Granary has been refurbished to high standards, with significantly improved sustainability credentials for lettings appeal.
Vail Williams was appointed by The Granary’s landlord, The Connaught Trust, a charity that supports reserve forces and cadets across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and surrounding counties, to advise on the future of the 3,345 sq ft premises.
Having become vacant, the charity sought strategic advice from Vail Williams on how to enhance occupier appeal whilst delivering energy efficiency improvements.
Russell Mogridge is Vail Williams’ Head of Agency for office and industrial occupation, development and investment.
He 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.”
As part of the works, Vail Williams secured listed building consent, having prepared and submitted the necessary applications.
Project-managed building works were delivered by specialist heritage contractors, with the upgrading of mechanical and electrical installations, the removal of partitions, repointing of brickwork and redecoration internally and externally.
Part of the improvements included a newly installed Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) air conditioning system, providing highly energy-efficient heating and cooling throughout.
When paired with a renewable energy supply, the system supports the potential for the building to operate at net-zero carbon.
Russell acted for The Connaught Trust in the office letting to OEG, which was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Aberdeen, Scotland.
Vail Williams’ Lucy Clifford Bowles oversaw the project management team for the comprehensive refurbishment of The Granary, and the consultancy also manages the building through the property assessment management team, led by Ed Martin.
OEG provides mission-critical infrastructure assets and technical solutions to the global offshore energy industry – above water, on water and below water.
A spokesperson for OEG said: “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.”
Jules Rogers, Secretary of The Connaught Trust, said: “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.”
