The University has completed the freehold acquisition of One Guildhall Square in the centre of Southampton and is now making plans to refurbish the building to support the University’s size and shape ambitions and delivery of the Estates Strategic Plan.
The University has held a long term lease commitment within the property for iSolutions occupying the 4th and 5th floors and HR on half of the 3rd floor. As an addition to our estate footprint the University will now be responsible for the management and maintenance of the building.
Speaking after the full council discussion on the proposed sale in November 2023 a Southampton City Council spokesperson commented:
“After the Covid pandemic and the new flexible working arrangements implemented across the council, it became clear that the council would not need to retain OGS for council office accommodation.”
External commercial tenancies with Turtle Bay, Preez and Medigold will transfer from the Council to the University.
Speaking on the purchase, Kevin Argent, Executive Director Estates & Facilities, said:
“We are very excited with the possibilities this purchase opens up for the University. Along with the Sir James Matthews building, the John Hansard Art Gallery and further afield the Mayflower halls of residence and gym, we now have a substantial footprint in the cultural quarter of the city.
Now that we are on three sides of the Guildhall Square these buildings will be referred to as the City Centre Campus and will be developed further to support immediate estate needs and for the University’s longer term ambitions.”