Landmark relocation for communications agency

A 25-year-old communications consultancy is relocating its head office to newly refurbished office space at a landmark Cardiff site.

Freshwater is moving from its current location at Cardiff Gate Business Park, where it has been based for the past 17 years, to take a ten-year lease at Hodge House, a Grade II-listed building, situated just off Westgate Street.

The 3,100 sq ft offices overlook the Principality Stadium and are close to BBC Wales, Media Wales and Cardiff University’s School of Journalism, Media and Culture.

All of the agency’s 40 Cardiff-based staff will be relocating to the new city centre premises, where they will mix office-based and remote working.

Angharad Neagle, chief executive of Freshwater, said: “Our new home, at Hodge House, marks an exciting chapter for us as we celebrate 25 years in business.

“As a company that thrives on strong relationships, we wanted to be based in the city centre to maximise opportunities to meet with clients, partners and suppliers, while creating a collaborative and creative hub for our team.

“Our new space will provide an inspirational destination in which our clients can work alongside us, discussing strategy and co-creating campaigns, as well as taking part in onsite media training, workshops and focus groups.”

Built in 1915 on the site of Cardiff’s original town hall, Hodge House is a six-floor building that has recently undergone a multimillion-pound refurbishment. Tenants have access to a communal coffee lounge; secure cycle spaces; a studio for fitness classes; shower rooms; a get-ready room and drying lockers.

Elinor Dafydd, director of strategy and innovation, added: “After the last few years, employees are looking for more from their workplaces. A space where they can focus and concentrate, but also where they can collaborate and socialise, and feel supported and inspired. Our new office offers that and more.”

Freshwater was established in 1997 and its client base spans both the public and private sector.

The joint letting agents for Hodge House are Fletcher Morgan and Knight Frank.