It is a trusted benchmark only achieved by commercial property that has been designed to incorporate reliable, flexible internet connectivity features that meet and exceed occupiers’ digital requirements.
The certification aligns with the Council’s digital infrastructure strategy, which is producing significant investment in full fibre broadband, 5G and smart technologies.
Contractors GRAHAM are progressing works on i9 and the building is planned for completion in summer 2021.
The development is also targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating to guarantee the long-term sustainability of the building and lower any potential impact on the surrounding environment.
i9 emerged following the success of the award-winning i10 complex on the opposite side of Railway Drive.
The finished building will provide up to 50,000 sq ft of stunning Grade A office space, which has potential for 5,600 sq ft of retail or leisure space.
It is the next step in developing a thriving commercial quarter at the heart of Wolverhampton Interchange - bringing further investment and jobs to the city.
Councillor Stephen Simkins, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said:
“The i9 development is helping give investors confidence in Wolverhampton and it is attracting strong interest from potential occupiers, who will benefit from excellent digital connectivity.
“Achieving a WiredScore Gold Rating confirms our commitment to providing the very best facilities and the highest level of service to occupiers.
“Being the only office building in the Black Country to achieve this status reinforces how innovative our digital strategy is in Wolverhampton.
“i9 will help us stimulate economic growth in the city, bringing hundreds of jobs and much-needed opportunities for local people in our recovery from the current Covid-19 crisis.”
The Council and leading property developer, Ion, selected Glenn Howells Architects’ design for i9 as the winner from a strong field of ten UK leading architects and urban design practices in a national design competition.
ION Associate Director, Chris Jones, added:
“We are delighted to achieve Wiredscore Gold certification for the i9 development which demonstrates our commitment to providing tenants with excellent digital connectivity.
“This is ION’s first project to secure a WiredScore rating so to achieve Gold status is a fantastic achievement and one that has required a collaborative effort with City of Wolverhampton Council, Glenn Howells Architects, Hilson Moran, GRAHAM Construction and WiredScore.”
The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is also supporting the development of i9.
Any occupier/party interested in taking office, leisure or retail space at i9 should contact Knight Frank on 0121 200 2220.