Berkeley Commercial Developments - Portsmouth, Gunwharf Quays

Date: 19 Jun 2002

One of the world’s top computer games development companies has chosen Gunwharf Quays, Berkeley Commercial Developments and Land Securities’ award-winning retail, leisure and business destination on the Portsmouth waterfront, as the location for its latest design studio.

Climax, which develops software for the Sony PlayStation 2, Nintendo Game Boy Advance, Microsoft Xbox and Nintendo Gamecube among others, has taken a 10-year lease on 10,116 (940 sq m) sq ft of high specification accommodation in Gunwharf Quays’ Somerville offices.

The waterfront location, complete with its stunning panoramic views over Portsmouth harbour, was instrumental in Climax’s decision to choose Gunwharf Quays as Karl Jeffery, Chief Executive Officer, explains: “Our relocation to Gunwharf Quays reinforces Climax Solent’s office as our flagship studio. Gunwharf Quays offers offices with on site facilities that are unrivalled in this area and the whole site offers an amazing scope of inspiration for our highly talented teams who are keen to move and continue to develop world class games from the ultimate of office locations.”

The move to the new studio will see around 100 Climax staff relocated from the company’s premises in Fareham, Hampshire, part of a network that also includes offices in Brighton, Kingston and Nottingham. It is anticipated that the move will take place during July.

Climax is the latest in growing roll call of organisations moving to Gunwharf Quays, including the BBC, Portsmouth International Marine Insurance Centre (PIMSIC) and local recruitment company, Pertemps.

Commenting on Climax’s choice of Gunwharf Quays, Alison Woolgar of Berkeley Commercial Developments, says: “Gunwharf Quays has a strong appeal to businesses who put the quality of the workplace environment at the top of the agenda when choosing a new location. We had always anticipated that there would be a strong attraction among the creative and niche industries and this is being borne out by the calibre of incoming organisations and the sustained high level of new enquiries.”

Portsmouth South MP Mike Hancock, the Executive member for Planning, Regeneration and Economic Development, Portsmouth City Council, said: "I'm delighted. It's more great news for Gunwharf Quays, which really is the place to be. It strengthens Gunwharf's working base and provides an even greater mix of what is available there for visitors."

Rob Brenchley of joint letting agents, Young & Butt, says: “The signing of Climax at Gunwharf represents a growing trend in employers seeking Portsmouth as a location for their businesses, it is now seen as an ultimate location with the numerous national and international transport links, coupled with idyllic setting for social and professional activities. It is anticipated that an even stronger level of demand will become apparent as greater levels of high quality workspace become available.”

Ross Moyler of joint letting agents, Vail Williams, says: “The conclusion of the letting to Climax represents a key date in the life of Gunwharf cementing its position in the market as a quality office location for business' to relocate to in addition to its attraction as a shopping/leisure destination.

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