AshbyCapital and U+I have received planning consent for their extended 260,000 sqft office venture in Slough.

The two office blocks will complete the campus with the companies having already collaborated on ‘No 2 The Future Works’, which recently became the first building in the UK to receive a Platinum AirScore for its indoor air quality. The new towers are located either side of it.

No 1 The Future Works will offer 170,000 sqft of office and retail space across 12 storeys with roof terraces throughout the building while No 3 The Future Works comprises 92,000 sqft of office space including a large communal roof terrace.

Peter Ferrari, Chief Executive of AshbyCapital, said: “With one building completed to an exceptional standard, part let, and with strong interest in the remaining space, we’re excited to get the next phase of this major regeneration project underway.

“Covid-19 has accelerated some trends we were already seeing in the office market: increased flexibility, more widespread use of technology, and a greater focus on collaboration, wellness and community.”

Paul Patenall, Project Director at U+I, added: “Slough already has the highest concentration of global headquarters outside London and multiple titles for being a great place to live and work. With the Elizabeth Line and a number of other major regeneration projects underway, the future is bright for Slough.

“As we all look forward to returning to our town centres and offices, we’re excited to reaffirm our confidence in Slough and breathe renewed life into the heart of this increasingly vibrant town.”

At The Future Works, the two companies hope to deliver two of the most sustainable and technologically advanced buildings within the Thames Valley, targeting net-zero carbon emissions, including an ambitious reduction in embodied carbon, and a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ for the office floorspace.

The all-electric development will be compatible with future fifth Generation district energy networks and through a range of environmental measures, including integrated PV panels, a high-performance façade and solar control, electric vehicle charging, rainwater harvesting, and site-wide heat reclaim, will exceed a 40% reduction in annual carbon emissions in comparison to an identically-sized average building from the 2000s.