On-site work on the first speculative office building in Glasgow since 2015 is to commence this month.

Real estate investment platform FORE Partnership said its 94,000 sq.ft. city centre development will be Glasgow’s most sustainable building when completed in 2020.

Named Cadworks, the sole fully speculative ‘Grade A’ building in the Glasgow pipeline will offer the very highest level of sustainability, with expansive 10,000 sq. ft. floorplates, virtually column-free office accommodation, animated ground/first floors, best-in-class changing facilities and a wide range of occupier services.

The building replaces traditional underground car parking with high spec cycle, fitness and shower facilities, accessed by the city’s first cycle-in ramp. Cadworks will link with many of the city’s existing and new cycle routes to the city centre and have the highest cycling ratio in Glasgow with 108 cycle racks.

In addition to the focus on carbon reduction, FORE said that Cadworks is zeroing in on community values and social awareness. Initiatives will notably include partnerships with Glasgow’s Universities and empowering social enterprises throughout the construction phase to foster local employment. Cadworks aims to achieve the top ‘Well’ certification and highest connectivity standards, targeting WiredScored ‘Platinum’ accreditation.

FORE managing partner, Basil Demeroutis, said: “Cadworks will be our flagship Scottish development and, as with our other buildings across Europe, we will deliver the highest quality space possible whilst refusing to compromise on our absolute values of ethical investment, sustainable development and, social responsibility.

“Our way of working represents a sea change in how development across the world needs to happen. We have a collective responsibility to build and operate buildings in a way that protects our built and natural environments as well as serves our communities. We have to prove that we are able to bring the best possible products to market, responsibly.”

Councillor Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council and city convener for inclusive economic growth, added: “The creation of the Grade A Cadworks building is great news for Glasgow’s economy, and I look forward to work beginning later this month. This is set to be an outstanding building, with the highest sustainability standards and services that will attract investment from international companies looking to locate in the city. The development will bring many new jobs during and after construction and help to deliver the inclusive economic growth that we aim for in Glasgow, and it is very pleasing to see the involvement of local social enterprises to ensure access to employment opportunities.”

FORE has signed agreements with Central Demolition to start demolition in March 2018 and will be going to market with the construction works shortly. Committed financing has recently been secured, making the project fully financed and ready to be taken forward.

The development is being jointly marketed by GVA, Ryden and Savills.