The international treaty on Climate Change, which was signed in Paris on 13 December, is the first to commit all countries to cutting carbon emissions. As well as national and local governments, all of us in towns and cities, and in the business world, will have to play our part in addressing the commitments and challenges of moving to low carbon economies. This includes investors, developers and infrastructure providers who will need to ensure that property and developments are fit for purpose in a low carbon future.

Cooke & Arkwright is advising the Cardiff School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies on options to acquire 30,000 sq ft office space for new headquarters within the city centre. The school is part of Cardiff University offering graduate and post-graduate courses in international and broadcast journalism, and political communication. Currently based at the campus in Bute Building on King Edward VII Avenue, it is considering a number of potential alternative locations.

Cooke & Arkwright has been successfully appointed to the National Procurement Service (NPS) for Wales for Construction Consultancy Services Framework – Estates Professional Services.

The NPS Framework is supported by over 70 public sector organisations in Wales including all local authorities, the NHS, National Assembly for Wales, Welsh Government and Welsh Government Sponsored Bodies, the Police and Fire services, and Higher and Further Education.

Acting for Sofa Brands International, Cooke & Arkwright has negotiated the leasing of a bespoke-build 100,000 sq ft industrial premises in Castlewood Business Park, Sutton in Ashfield, Derbyshire on a 20 year lease. The new purpose-design unit, on J28 of the M1 in the East Midlands, provides accommodation for the company’s Parker Knoll brand to expand its fast-growing manufacturing base as well as new office and storage facilities.

The World Bank estimates that 70% of global wealth is in property, but these valuations are based on inconsistent measurement data. These anomalies have made it very difficult to compare like-to-like and can lead to inaccuracies and poor measurement. The lack of transparency has also made it difficult to compare cross-border transactions which can have a huge impact on Financial Reporting.

After two years of hard work and commitment, Ben Davies, Senior Surveyor with Cooke & Arkwright’s Retail & Leisure Agency, has qualified as a chartered surveyor with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. The qualification verifies that he is proficient in his field having passed his Assessment of Professional Competence (APC), and is now entitled to put the letters MRICS after his name.

Following an extensive programme of redevelopment, a formerly dilapidated building at 53 The Parade in Cardiff, has been extended and converted into 4,200 sq ft of Grade A office space and successfully let to Cardiff University’s School of Physics & Astronomy. Cooke & Arkwright’s Business Space Agency advised Emvic Developments on the redevelopment and extension of the building, and the potential for attracting business and professional tenants to the property. The Parade is in a Conservation Area and includes security access and parking for six cars.

Cooke & Arkwright staff in Cardiff and Bridgend raised more money for chosen charity LATCH today, with staff getting into the spirit of Christmas wearing an assortment of bright jumpers and various attire. 

We would like to wish all our clients and business contacts the very best for a happy, healthy, peaceful and prosperous New Year. We look forward to doing business with you in 2016.