Global swimwear brand, Speedo, held a Groundbreaking Ceremony to mark the start of building work on its new International Headquarters at Nottingham’s Premier business location.

The diggers moved on to the site on Friday 4th December to start work on the new high tech office facility being built on the prime Ng2 business park site in the centre of Nottingham.

Speedo will be relocating from its current offices on Ascot Road and has signed a 17-year lease on the new premises, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the East Midlands and safeguarding high quality jobs for the region’s workers.

Being developed by Miller Birch Partnership, construction on the new purpose built site is due for completion at the end of 2010 and will provide a quality working environment for Speedo’s 170-strong Nottingham workforce.

With 43,000 square feet set over three floors, the spacious offices will provide improved cutting-edge facilities for the development of new Speedo products at its dedicated global Aqualab Research and Development Centre, and act as the brand’s international base for visiting partners and Speedo sponsored athletes.

David Robinson, President of Speedo International said: "This day marks the start of a very exciting new chapter in the history of Speedo. The brand has a long connection with the Nottingham area and these new International Headquarters will help us to attract and retain the highest calibre staff and ensure high quality jobs for people in the region. The new advanced facilities will enhance the work of the Aqualab Research and Development Centre, meaning the world’s best and most technically advanced swimwear continues to be developed here, in Nottingham."

Peter Gadsby, Chairman of Miller Birch added: " I am delighted that Speedo, a first class global brand, is continuing its long established relationship with Nottingham. This new international headquarters will further enhance ng2 as the premier business location in the East Midlands.

"Miller Birch has worked closely with Speedo to ensure timely delivery of this important new facility in the run up to the 2012. This will enable the company to welcome delegations from around the world, further enhancing Nottingham’s reputation as a centre for science and innovation on the international stage."

-ends-

For further press information or imagery please contact:
Isobel Klempka
t: 0207 940 7178
e: Isobelbrandnation.co.uk

Rae Young
t: 0207 940 7176
e: Raebrandnation.co.uk


Notes to Editors:

SPEEDO was formed in 1928 in Australia.
In 1959 SPEEDO moved into Europe and over several years acquired an increasing share in Robert Shaw and Company Ltd, Nottingham.
Speedo swimwear was produced in Nottingham at Ascot Rd and in Gedling with the company employing around 400 people. With the decline of the UK textile industry, production moved offshore in 2003.
Pentland Brands acquired the Speedo brand in 1991 and Nottingham became the brand’s international headquarters. Over 170 employees are now employed in Nottingham, including the Aqualab team responsible for development of the LZR Racer suit in 2008, in which over 80 world records have been broken.
Speedo is reinforcing its commitment to the East Midlands economy and committing to the future of Nottingham by entering into a new 17-year lease at the prime Ng2 business park site
The central location will provide excellent transport links, plentiful parking and a stop on the route of the proposed tram extension to the west of the city, supporting the increased flow of UK and international customers to the purpose-built showroom at the site.
Featuring a full height glass atrium foyer and a striking zinc clad wall bearing the well-recognised Speedo logo, the build design incorporates the latest environmental features. These include optimised use of natural light through solar control glazed windows; intelligent lighting with movement and daylight sensors; energy saving air source heat pump technology and borehole water for grey water systems.
The building will achieve an &39;;excellent’ BREEAM Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method score. It incorporates solar photovoltaic, solar thermal and air source heat pumps as low or zero carbon technologies and will make use of non-mains water for toilet flushing and grounds maintenance.
Speedo is currently looking into options for the future use of the site at Ascot Rd.


About Speedo
The world’s leading swimwear brand, Speedo is passionate about life in and around the water, creating revolutionary new technologies, designs and innovations. Supporting swimming from grass-roots through to elite level, including the phenomenal Michael Phelps, in the 1920s Speedo made history with the Racerback: the world’s first non-wool suit. In 2008 Speedo redefined swimwear again with Fastskin LZR RACER - the fastest and most technologically advanced swimsuit ever created. Speedo is owned by Speedo Holdings B.V and distributed in over 170 countries around the world; to find out more visit: www.speedo.com . SPEEDO, the ARROW device, FASTSKIN, LZR PULSE, SPEEDO ENDURANCE, FLIPTURNS, FASTSKINFSII, SPEEDO BIOFUSE, SWYM, SPEEDOSCULPTURE and LZR RACER are registered trademarks of Speedo Holdings B.V. The LZR RACER suit has worldwide design rights and patents pending.