Property
Consultancy 
James Barr, one of Scotland’s leading
multi-disciplinary property consultancies, has designed and
developed Glasgow Taxis impressive new £1.8 million headquarters and
call centre.
Officially opened by House of Commons speaker Michael Martin on
November 16, the single-storey 10,000 sq ft development features
offices, the main contact call centre and a small workshop facility.
Glasgow Taxis were forced to relocate after its former premises at
Dixon’s Blazes was acquired by the Scottish Government under a
Compulsory Purchase Order to support its ambitious M74 extension
plans.
James Barr negotiated both an Advance Payment of compensation prior
to commencement of the development and following a site search, the
purchase of the Boden Street site.
The property consultancy’s Building team undertook the overall
project management to ensure an efficient and seamless transfer was
made for Glasgow Taxis relocation within the agreed timescales.
The M74 extension will play a significant role in the regeneration
of Glasgow’s east end. The regeneration master-plan has also been
boosted by the news that Glasgow will host the 2014 commonwealth
games.
Working closely with Glasgow Taxis, James Barr Architecture designed
and developed the cutting-edge headquarters which sits on the city’s
Boden Street.
With access from Boden Street and high-visibility from Dunn Street,
the intricate design concept had to address the double-frontage
provided by the position of the site.
This was achieved by creating a U-shaped plan and incorporating a
feature ‘gull wing’ roof to the main frontage which added height and
interest to the long, linear, single-storey façade.
The elevations were clad in a combination of silver and slate grey
composite panels, picking up on the corporate colours of Glasgow
Taxis. The entrance areas to both the offices and workshop facility
were highlighted using a fully-glazed curtain walling.
Elaine Sommerville, at James Barr said: “We are delighted to see the
completed building in operation, having worked so closely with
Glasgow Taxis throughout the process to design & develop the bespoke
headquarters which meets their requirements.”
“Many businesses have been affected by compulsory acquisition
through the Scottish Government’s M74 extension plans. Re-locating
can appear a very daunting process if you don’t access the proper
level of expertise and advice.
“However the successful re-location of Glasgow Taxis has
demonstrated that with proper consultation, companies can re-locate
with minimum impact on their business interests and operations.
“Our team offers an extensive range of architectural and design
services relating to every aspect of the development process, from
inception through to project completion.
“We work closely with our agency, valuation, rating and planning
colleagues on a daily basis and it is this collective approach that
enables us to provide a holistic project solution for our clients.”
Hugh McAdams, Treasure at Glasgow Taxis Ltd said: "Glasgow Taxis are
open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and as one of the
largest taxi fleets in the UK it was planned that our new
Call-centre and headquarters reflected the importance of the role we
play in the public transport infrastructure of the city of Glasgow.
We have worked closely with James Barr at every stage of development
and are delighted with the intricate design and functionality of the
new building."
The building consultancy team at James Barr is made up of four
different divisions - building surveying, project management,
architecture and interior design. The team provides an extensive
range of fully integrated services which handles all building
related matters for property owners, investors and occupiers in both
the private and public sectors.
Email:
geraldine.strawbridge@beattiegroup.com
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Editor's Note: James Barr provide:-
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James Barr - Supports Glasgow Taxis Move to New Headquarters
Arundel Jones Associates Ltd News Categories : Property Consultancy Chartered Surveyors |