Bouygues UK is celebrating its project 71/72 Kingsway being named ‘Best of the Best’ and ‘Commercial Workplace’ at this year’s British Council for Offices Awards.
Delivered on behalf of Swansea Council, 71/72 Kingsway has played a key role in the ongoing transformation of Swansea city centre. The landmark development provides high-quality, flexible workspace designed to attract investment, support business growth and create new opportunities for organisations looking to establish a presence in the city.
Celebrating the best in office design, development and operation, the annual British Council for Offices Awards were presented to an audience of around 1,000 senior figures from across the office sector at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House hotel on London’s Park Lane.
The two accolades recognised the project’s innovative design, sustainability credentials and contribution to Swansea’s wider regeneration ambitions.
The judges commended the scheme for its design quality, noting that its people-centred approach could help drive investment, create high-value jobs and strengthen Swansea’s position as a hub for future development.
They said: “What particularly stood out was the building’s deceptively simple, yet clever, design. The seamless transition between the welcoming public spaces and secure private tenant areas creates a building that feels both open and inclusive, while maintaining excellent functionality for its occupiers. Above all, 71/72 Kingsway demonstrates how intelligent, people-centred architecture can stimulate investment, attract high-value employment and become a genuine beacon for the future of Swansea.”
Sustainability was central to the project. Designed to operate at net zero, 71/72 Kingsway has solar panels on the roof, heat recovery systems to minimise energy use, and a rainwater capture feature to support water supply to plants and trees in and around the development. It also includes 69 bike spaces and electric bike charging as well as extensive shower and changing facilities.
Beyond its physical impact, the project delivered significant social value. During the build, Bouygues UK provided nearly 2,000 weeks of employment for apprentices, trainees, graduates and previously unemployed people, alongside sourcing 84% of its subcontract work through local suppliers.
The development provides 114,000sq ft of commercial space for businesses across the tech, digital and creative sectors. Eighty per cent of the office space at 71/72 Kingsway is now let, with more than 350 people already based at the building. That figure is expected to rise to more than 500 as further tenants move in.
Part-funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal and Welsh Government, the building has been designed to attract and retain employers while creating additional footfall and spending power for city centre businesses.
The scheme can accommodate up to 600 workers and is expected to contribute £32.6m a year to Swansea’s economy when fully occupied.
Current occupiers include TUI, Futures First and Amazon-owned Veeqo, while international workspace provider IWG is completing its fit-out. A lease has also been agreed for part of the remaining office space.
Bouygues UK’s Mark Cesenek, Managing Director for the South-West and Wales said: “It’s fantastic to see 71/72 Kingsway recognised with these awards. The development is already making a real contribution to Swansea city centre, providing high-quality workspace, supporting local employment and helping to attract new investment.
“It is also a brilliant example of what can be achieved through strong partnerships between clients, contractors, consultants and supply chain partners. I’m incredibly proud of the contribution made by our teams and partners, and of the role the development is playing in supporting Swansea’s continued growth.”
BCO chief executive Samantha McClary added: “The places in which we work have never been more important. They not only provide places for us to innovate and create, but more and more are providing spaces and places that help us feel better, deliver more for people and planet and are a vital part of a community. The BCO Awards and all of this year’s finalists – and especially our winners – are the exemplars in delivering these amazing spaces. It is an honour and a privilege to be able to celebrate them.”
Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “Winning two awards at such a prestigious event is fantastic recognition for 71/72 Kingsway and for the ambition we’ve shown in transforming this important city centre site. “These awards recognise the quality of the development, the innovation behind it and the positive contribution it’s making to Swansea’s regeneration. When we committed to this project, we wanted to create a modern, high-quality business destination that would help Swansea compete for investment, attract employers and bring more people into the city centre. To see that ambition recognised through two major industry awards is a tremendous achievement for everyone involved in delivering the scheme.”