New HQ to be built for Fred Olsen Cruises
4.5 acres site at Ipswich will house new 'green' headquarters

Acting on behalf of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, EWS Chartered Surveyors has negotiated the purchase of the prominent southern portion of the Ipswich Borough Council-owned IP8 site, adjoining the Copdock Mill/Tesco A1214 roundabout

The site extends to approximately 4.5 acres and will house the new UK headquarters of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. “We are delighted to have acquired this prime location for Fred. Olsen” said David Lowe, Consultancy and Development director at EWS, who handled the negotiations. “It was selected after a rigorous search and review process of office development sites in the area” he continued.

The proposed new building for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines will adopt a totally ‘green’ approach with features such as a ‘grass’ roof, solar reflective glazing windows, and a ground source heat exchange system amongst the innovative schemes included in the planning application.

Mike Rodwell, Managing Director of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “The purchase of this land is the first step in what can be described as a new era for the company. During the 19 years the company has been based in Ipswich we have grown from one ship to a fleet of five, and so with this growth comes a requirement for larger premises from which to serve our customers and the travel trade.”

Construction is planned to start in the spring of 2008, with completion a year later in spring 2009. The building initially will accommodate up to 200 employees, and there is potential for a second phase which will provide space for an additional 100 staff.