THEY have been based in their current offices for a quarter of a century.
But moving headquarters for B&Q employees in Chandler’s Ford should not be too difficult – as their new building is just next door.
Around 1,400 people who work for the DIY superstore will be transferring over the next eight weeks to a purpose-built office adjacent to their current headquarters in Chestnut Avenue.
The new office, named B&Q House, has taken just over two years to complete, has three floors and more than 220,000 sq ft of floor space.
A spokesman for the company said the new headquarters have been built using the latest green technology.
She added: “Heat sensors have been installed throughout the building which automatically open and close windows to keep heating bills down.
“B&Q will be using biomass boilers to power the heating system and there will be a 100,000 litre rainwater harvesting tank, which will be used to irrigate the surrounding landscape and to flush the toilets.”
The move comes just days after the company announced a slump with sales in outdoor products down a fifth in the 11 weeks to July 16.
Owner Kingfisher put the drop down to bad weather and clearance sales at collapsed rival Focus DIY.
B&Q House will be officially opened in September by celebrity architect and TV presenter George Clarke and record-breaking sailor Dame Ellen MacArthur.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel