London-listed Development Securities has announced the appointment of Wates as contractor at its 275,000 sq ft (25,500 m2) prime office development in Hammersmith Grove, West London. Work on site will commence immediately on the first phase of the development comprising 110,000 sq ft of prime office space as well as 6,000 sq ft of cafes, restaurants and public space. The scheme is due for practical completion in early 2013.

The first phase of the town centre development was forward funded by Scottish Widows Investment Property Partnership Trust (SWIPPT) for £50 mln (EUR 59.8 mln) in October 2011.

Julian Barwick, director, Development Securities said: 'Our scheme at Hammersmith Grove is set to deliver some of the best new office space in West London into a tightly supplied market. The scheme will play an important part in the regeneration of Hammersmith's town centre, attracting first-class occupiers to this prime location. Wates are an experienced and quality contractor and we look forward to working with them to deliver this scheme.'