The keys to the first office building to be constructed in Tunbridge Wells for more than 25 years have been handed over to its new tenant.
In November, the law firm Cripps will be moving into the 40,000 sq ft state-of-the-art building in Royal Wells Park on the former Kent and Sussex Hospital site.
Developer Berkeley Homes handed over the keys to Gavin Tyler, Cripps’ Managing Partner, who said: “This is a really exciting time for us and another major step in the long history of the firm.
“We have had a base in Tunbridge Wells since 1852, and whilst we outgrew our offices here some time ago and have been looking for new premises for the last ten years, we were always determined to remain within the town and continue to invest in its future.”
As one of the largest employers in Tunbridge Wells, with an overall head count of 350, Cripps currently occupies five buildings in Mount Ephraim Road. The firm had almost given up on its goal of finding an office large enough to accommodate everyone under one roof, so when the premises at Royal Wells Park became available less than 400 metres from its current location, Cripps seized the opportunity.
During November, the entire Tunbridge Wells workforce will move into the new purpose-built office, which is situated over four floors. The building has a central atrium with client facilities on the ground floor and open-plan working areas on the floors above.
Berkeley Homes Eastern Counties’ Managing Director Peter Smith said: “Royal Wells Park is a key development within Tunbridge Wells and we are, therefore, delighted that such a high-profile employer as Cripps has decided to remain within the town and occupy this very prestigious office space.”
As the furniture and most of the IT equipment will be new, Cripps will be donating various office items to a number of charitable groups and organisations, including Computers 4 Africa and the Wells Free School.
