The Ewart, Belfast: Cycle Friendly Building

The Ewart is a landmark Grade A office building in the heart of Belfast’s central business district, offering 210,000 sq ft of premium office space. As part of the £85m Bedford Square development, The Ewart is setting new standards in sustainable and active travel infrastructure.

The building’s innovative design prioritises sustainability and employee wellbeing. With direct access to public transport hubs and state-of-the-art facilities for active commuters, The Ewart has become the first Grade A office building in both the UK and the European consortium to receive Gold accreditation under Cycling UK’s Cycle Friendly Buildings scheme. 

• Promote active travel: Provide first-class facilities to encourage tenants and visitors to commute by bike.
   
• Achieve industry recognition: Become the first Grade A office in the UK to achieve Gold accreditation for cycle-friendliness.
   
• Support employee wellbeing: Create a healthy, sustainable work environment that enhances employee productivity and satisfaction. 

The Ewart features Northern Ireland’s largest cycle storage and amenities provision for any Grade A office development. Key highlights include:

• Secure cycle storage: 124 dedicated bike spaces located in a secure basement facility with street-level access.
   
• Changing and shower facilities: Ground floor amenities designed to support active commuters with lockers, showers, and changing areas.
   
• Wayfinding and accessibility: Clear signage and easy access ensure cyclists can navigate the facilities with ease.

These facilities were developed in collaboration with Linen Quarter Business Improvement District (LQ BID) and Cycling UK to meet the rigorous standards required for the Cycle Friendly Buildings accreditation. 

Cycling UK’s Cycle Friendly Buildings scheme goes beyond infrastructure to encourage a culture of active travel. The Gold accreditation reflects The Ewart’s commitment to sustainability and employee wellbeing, with ongoing support from Cycling UK to:

• Foster a cycling culture: Regular cycling events and maintenance activities to engage tenants.
   
• Promote sustainable travel: Reduce car dependency and encourage carbon-neutral commutes.
   
• Ensure long-term impact: Provide guidance and advice to maintain and enhance cycling facilities. 

• Industry leadership: The Ewart’s Gold accreditation sets a benchmark for cycle-friendly office developments in Belfast and beyond.
   
• Tenant satisfaction: Positive feedback from prospective occupiers highlights the importance of cycling facilities in attracting and retaining talent.
   
• Sustainable commuting: By promoting active travel, The Ewart contributes to reducing local congestion and emissions, creating a healthier urban environment.

The Ewart demonstrates the transformative potential of prioritising active travel in commercial developments. With support from Cycling UK’s Cycle Friendly Buildings accreditation, it has established itself as a leader in sustainability, health, and wellbeing. 

As Eamon Butler of CBRE NI noted:

The Cycling UK accreditation highlights our dedication to encouraging cycling within the workplace while fostering a healthier workforce and reducing environmental impact.

 

Encouraging employees to cycle offers a range of business benefits, including:

• Reduced business costs from congestion
• Tax incentives
• Less demand for car parking spaces
• Attracting talent through sustainable practices

Join leading organisations in championing sustainable, active travel and demonstrate your commitment to reducing your environmental impact.