ISG has been named as the preferred contractor to create a new office hub for UK Government, where HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) are a main occupier, at Cardiff’s Central Square development. HMRC are delivering the hub on behalf of the UK Government and will be the largest occupier.
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Renewing the contractor’s ties with the development that has reshaped the gateway to the Welsh capital, this is the first project ISG has secured through the HMRC Government Hubs Fit-Out Framework programme.
Working alongside developer Rightacres, ISG has transformed the strategic and underused site that sits immediately at the entrance to Cardiff’s Central Station. After delivering the iconic Foster + Partners designed new headquarters for BBC Wales, a striking new office for Hugh James and Cardiff University JOMEC students and attractive public realm enhancements, ISG will now fit out the newly constructed 12-storey building to centralise regional HMRC teams and other UK Government departments, providing a contemporary working environment, within a future-proofed technology infrastructure.
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The circa 266,000 sq ft Cat B fit out encompasses the delivery of majority open plan office accommodation, as well as meeting room suites and cellular offices. The modern design and layout will enable disparate teams to come together, supporting the government’s target to streamline its estate and work processes. The project is set to commence early in 2020 with HMRC staff due to move in to their new workspaces in November 2020.
The HMRC Government Hubs programme is reshaping HMRC’s estate, reducing the number of buildings in use from around 800 to circa 200 by 2023. As part of this process 170 offices will be brought together into 13 key regional hubs, including Cardiff, with purpose-built facilities to support the digital transformation of the HMRC.
Zoe Price, ISG’s group director for public sector frameworks, commented: “With 12 of the 13 regional HMRC hubs occupying new build structures, HMRC has seized the opportunity to engage with its framework partners at an early stage to optimise outcomes. The use of a framework procurement pathway has provided the time and space for contractors to work together collaboratively on initiatives and measures to add value, enhance efficiencies in overall delivery programmes and maximise social value outcomes for local communities.
“Our supply chain partners, many of whom have worked with ISG across our numerous Cardiff projects, have also brought their insight and innovation to the table early in the process as part of our constant drive to deliver efficiencies and smart solutions.”
