Construction of a new extension to Spirax-Sarco Engineering's Cheltenham headquarters is well underway in Charlton Kings.

The progress was celebrated during a visit to the site from the company's group chief executive, Nicholas Anderson, along with representatives from the project's architects and construction partners.

With the demolition of the 1950s extension already completed, the teams have started the final phase of the foundation work, in preparation for the new 33,000 sq ft extension to sit alongside the original Grade II listed Charlton House, which is also being refurbished as part of the redevelopment and is expected to be ready for occupation before the end of 2023.

The new extension of Spirax-Sarco Engineering's Group headquarters will be ready for all remaining staff to return at the start of 2024, providing a modern, energy efficient and sustainable office for up to 180 people.

The redevelopment is sympathetic to the original building's character and setting and has been designed in line with the company's sustainability strategy and objectives.

The project's design and environmental considerations will support the company's net zero target for eliminating scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and will strengthen local biodiversity. The building also aims to achieve an 'Outstanding' rating from the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), which recognises the top 0.5 per cent of sustainable new builds.

Nicholas Anderson, group chief executive of Spirax-Sarco Engineering, said: "Charlton House has been our global headquarters for almost 80 years. It is very exciting to see it being transformed into a modern, energy efficient office, while still retaining its unique character and history.

"It has been designed with both sustainability and flexibility in mind, from the sympathetic design, biodiverse landscaping and environmental features, as well as the building practices, including the recycling of materials from the demolition. When complete, our new green building will provide a flexible and collaborative working space, securing our place in the local community for decades to come."

During the demolition phase, all hardcore material has been crushed to be used in the new foundations. The recycling focus on site has included the parquet flooring being treated to reuse in future domestic and commercial projects and the steel reinforcement bars have been recycled to make new rebar and other steel products.

The redevelopment of the Charlton House headquarters follows the purchase of a new UK sales office for the group's Steam Specialties Business last year.

The group now has four sites across Cheltenham, supporting more than 1,100 colleagues, including its largest UK manufacturing site located in Swindon Village, as well as a dedicated training centre in Charlton Kings.