22 April 2010
First tenant for Coal Exchange offices
Historic building reopens its doors to businesses
Cardiff Bay’s Coal Exchange building, part of which is being transformed by South Wales based developer Macob, has welcomed its first tenant.
Magazine publisher City Publications has moved its seven strong team from its current location in Enterprise House on Bute Street, Cardiff Bay to the newly available office space at the Coal Exchange.
City Publications started up as a design and advertising sales business in 1991. It now produces a range of Welsh glossy magazines including At Home in Wales, Diamante bridal and Kidzlife, and is planning on launching a new business magazine called Women Mean Business later this year. The company also has a design and print division for a varied customer base ranging from SMEs to large corporate and official bodies.
The Coal Exchange in Mount Stuart Square dates back to 1886 and has a rich history. It was here that the world’s first million pound deal was signed and it was a central market place from which up to 80% of the world’s coal was traded.
Since Macob bought the listed building in 2001, it has become a popular live music venue, as well as a destination for award ceremonies and private functions. Recent gigs at the 1,000 capacity main hall include Super Furry Animals, John Cale & Ocean Colour Scene and there are 150 bookings already secured for 2010. A parliamentary TV debate between the four main parties was also staged here earlier this month.
Macob is adopting a phased approach to the redevelopment of the Exchange Building which will ultimately result in 140,000 of refurbished office space being available at the Coal Exchange together with A3 retail outlets.
The first phase of offices totaling 17,500 sq ft has been refurbished and is available for immediate occupation.
Alison Tucker, Managing Director of City Publications said: “We were previously located at The Coal Exchange for 19 years before it closed in 2007 and we reluctantly had to relocate to new premises in Cardiff Bay. Our customers and suppliers still associate City Publications with the Coal Exchange.
“We are excited to be returning home to this historic building at the heart of Mount Stuart Square. Macob is looking to attract similar organisations to ourselves to the office space and we very much wanted to be part of any major centre for the arts and media that is established.”
Daniel Roberts, Director at Macob said: “I am delighted that we have secured City Publications as the first tenant at the Coal Exchange.
“With our affordable and flexible terms and the great amenities close by at Mermaid Quay, The Coal Exchange is attracting interest from a number of small businesses including art organisations who have a natural synergy with the building. The easy in easy out lease gives tenants unrivalled flexibility.
“Space is available for rent from as little as 100 sq ft up to 12,000 sq ft with plans for a lot more.”
Macob is a leading development and construction group headquartered in Gwaelod y Garth, Cardiff. The company is also behind Bocam Park, a 30-acre business park scheme in Pencoed with 110,000 sq ft of occupied space.
Archives
Returning home: Daniel Roberts welcomes Alison Roberts back to the Coal Exchange