The Forum, Gloucester's £107 million city rejuvenation project, has revealed the first business to sign up for office space when the site begins its phased opening in late 2024 to early 2025.
International internet service and hosting provider, Fasthosts Internet Ltd, signed an agreement that will see it take 19,000 sq ft of office space available at No 2 Cathedral Walk — moving in its 250-strong team of employees.
CEO of Fasthosts, Simon Yeoman said: 'At Fasthosts, our growth has driven us to outgrow our current office spaces, resulting in teams spread across two locations. This move to The Forum allows us to bring everyone together in one central, modern office.
'Staying true to our roots in Gloucester was essential and this space aligns perfectly with our sustainability and CSR goals. This new location is not only convenient for our current workforce but also positions us well for future talent, thanks to its excellent transport connections and sustainable design.
'This move will allow us to create a modern and contemporary environment for our staff. This move guarantees a space that fits the future needs of a hi-tech business like Fasthosts.'
Fasthosts also provides data centre services for businesses and has experienced significant growth since being founded in 1998, with a turnover of £44.3 million as of 2022 — securing the company a spot in SoGlos's list of The Top 100 Businesses in Gloucestershire 2024.
It's also making moves towards sustainability, after migrating its primary data centre to a facility in Worcestershire that operates using 100 per cent renewable energy.
Peter Langly-Smith, development director of Reef Group, the development partner behind The Forum, said: 'The vision behind The Forum was to attract fast-growth, innovative technology companies and we are pleased to see this vision realised in Fasthosts taking up space.
'Our drive to create a future-ready working environment with high-class facilities, coupled with our commitment to a highly sustainable building has been a real draw for companies moving to The Forum.
'There has already been overwhelming confidence demonstrated by other companies showing strong interest in the remaining workspaces.'
While Dorian Wragg, partner and head of commercial property at Bruton Knowles, chartered surveyors for The Forum, added: 'Fasthosts will be the cornerstone of The Forum, at the heart of a new digital and creative centre for the city, which will in turn boost local interest, attract further investment, draw visitors and tourists and encourage residential growth, all contributing to the revitalisation of the city centre.'
Gloucester City Council leader, Jeremy Hilton, concluded: 'The development is now nearing completion and the site will come to life later this year as Fasthosts and other companies move in, with the public being able to walk through a new city centre street.'
When completed, The Forum will offer a net-zero carbon mixed-use development; 135,000 sq ft of Grade A office space; a 131-bedroom IHG boutique hotel; a 398-space car park with 39 EV charging points; a new Tesco Express; and 19 energy-efficient apartments.
