The Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) has taken the entire ground floor of refurbished Phoenix House in Bracknell, the biggest office letting in the town this year.

The DWP is running a campaign to acquire vacant office space across the country to house more than 80 temporary job centres for retraining people after Covid.

Vail Williams, acting for the building’s owners MCR Property Group alongside Fryer Commercial, brokered a five-year deal for the 9,267 sq ft letting.

The detached, two-storey, 1990s building in Cookham Road was recently refurbished. The open plan space has a new cooling/heating system and LED lighting.

Vail Williams partner Charlie Nicholson said: “Bracknell is a renowned Thames Valley office centre and commercial hub with global brands, technology big-hitters and retail giants such as Dell, 3M, Honeywell, Honda, Fujitsu and Panasonic, Waitrose and Fenwick already in situ.

“To attract the DWP into town is significant in that it will not only create jobs, but offer an opportunity for the possible retraining of people affected by the pandemic, especially with furlough support ending.

“More than £770 million has been invested in the huge urban regeneration of Bracknell Forest, including a much-rebuilt town centre, the Lexicon leisure and retail complex and wider area improvements – and we are now reaping the reward of this as big name occupiers are attracted to the area.”

Cllr Marc Brunel Walker, executive member for economic development and regeneration for Bracknell Forest Council, said: “This is exciting news, and an important stage in our continued growth. The DWP moving into Phoenix House will benefit the area both commercially and on an individual basis for our residents.

“Bracknell being transformed into an exciting, vibrant destination with ongoing improvements to infrastructure, roads, housing, education, healthcare and leisure is part of the appeal which has helped to bring in the DWP.”

The building’s 8,691 sq ft first floor remains available with a quoting rent of £17.50 per sq ft.

Cushman & Wakefield, acted for the DWP.

Image (l-r): Charlie Nicholson from Vail Williams, Simon Fryer of Fryer Commercial and Cameron Thomson from MCR Property Group outside Phoenix House.

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