NEWS ARCHIVE

LEGAL OMBUDSMAN COMMITS TO THE CITY IN MOVE TO BASKERVILLE HOUSE | 26/02/10

The Legal Ombudsman has signed a deal to take 40,000 sq ft of Grade A space at Targetfollow’s landmark office development, Baskerville House. The new ombudsman scheme for legal services is being set up at the moment by the Office for Legal Complaints under the Legal Services Act.

In what is recognised as a positive move for the city, the Legal Ombudsman will take occupation of the upper fifth and sixth floors of the building from early May, when employees will benefit from the open, flexible floorplates that are wrapped around two light filled glazed atria.

The newly formed independent ombudsman will offer services investigating complaints by customers about law firms and the legal process from the new premises. The Legal Ombudsman is currently in temporary accommodation in the city. Now that it has found its permanent home in Baskerville House it will bring up to 350 new jobs to Birmingham.

With its central location, proximity to local amenities, sustainable credentials and IT infrastructure already in place, Baskerville House is perfectly placed to attract ‘people’ focused organisations such as the new Legal Ombudsman.

Adam Sampson, Chief Ombudsman said that the choice of Baskerville House had been driven by organisational considerations, as well as the fit and cohesion in values and culture which underpin the organisation.

He commented: “People are vital to the success of the Legal Ombudsman. Our offices in Baskerville House will help us be an organisation that will offer a vibrant and exciting working environment. It is based right in the centre of the city close to all public transport. We want to promote environmental sustainability and Baskerville House lets us do this as well as take advantage of everything Birmingham city centre has to offer.”

Ian Fox, Joint Managing Director at Targetfollow, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming the Legal Ombudsman to Baskerville House this spring. The building was selected through a rigorous tender process, which is testament to its high specification facilities and sustainable features such as the EPC rating of ‘B’, which ensures it is efficient and low cost to run, as well as having less impact on the environment.

“The deal also signifies great news for the city as a whole. We believe that the relocation will have a positive impact on the Legal Ombudsman and it underpins the holistic package and flexibility that Baskerville House can offer modern occupiers.”
The £30 million transformation by Targetfollow, saw Baskerville House retain elements of the building’s original features including stonework and wooden panelling while the rest of the building is of the highest Grade A specification.
The Targetfollow Group, which is based in Norwich, was formed to specialise in acquiring and managing investment and development properties across the UK. Targetfollow has a substantial and growing portfolio of more than 60 investments in office, industrial and retail buildings in more than 20 towns and cities.

Joint agents on the scheme are Jones Lang LaSalle and CB Richard Ellis. DTZ acted on behalf of the Legal Ombudsman.