To mark the significant progress on the building of the flagship headquarters for Fred Olsen in Ipswich, a ‘topping out’ ceremony has taken place on the top floor of the new building.
Several directors and senior managers attended the ceremony on a crisp and sunny morning along with Artisan (UK) Developments Managing Director, Michael Eyres.
Explaining how the development came about Michael Eyres said:
“Artisan had approached Fred. Olsen on a number of occasions about the potential to rationalise their different locations in Ipswich into a single, combined HQ, with either a new stand-alone building, or by extending their existing office in White House Road onto our site next door.
“In October 2016, those discussions started to come to fruition and, by working together over the next two years, an agreement was reached that delivered the best possible outcome for both companies.”
Fred Olsen Ltd’s Chief Financial Officer, Belinda Mitchell commented on the significance of the project for the future of the company:
“Having personally been involved with the preparation and planning of this project since its inception nearly three years ago, I am delighted to see the office extension taking shape. The extension will more than double the space at Fred. Olsen House, as well as adding significant parking provision.
“This is an exciting and significant investment for Fred. Olsen, both in terms of our continued commitment to our businesses and to the local area. It will ensure that we have facilities suitable for growth in the future.”
Work on the project commenced in April 2019 and is due for completion by mid May 2020. Refurbishment of the existing Fred. Olsen House next door in White House Road will commence thereafter, with final completion of the extended HQ by the end of 2020. The completed project will increase space from 14,000 sq ft to 32,000sq ft.
