Building consultancy Powell Williams has been appointed to carry out internal and external improvement works for a property newly acquired by Cube Real Estate on behalf of Cubemaker Properties, part of the BP Pension Fund.

Technology House is a 1970s four-storey building on Ampthill Road in Bedford, which offers a total of 120,000 sq ft of interior space. The building has a long and interesting history, having served for many years as an office facility for various companies within the ITV group, some of whom still occupy the building. Central Bedfordshire Council moved in to part of the building in July 2010 and occupies approximately 50,000 sq ft of the available space. The remaining unoccupied space is expected to be made available for lease later in the year.

Following the acquisition by Cube Real Estate, the unoccupied areas of the building are to be subject to a comprehensive refurbishment programme, project managed by the experienced Powell Williams team. The project will include an upgrade of the reception and 'public spaces' within the building, as well as the creation of a second entrance on the ground floor. The team will also advise on the relocation of the restaurant and refreshment facilities currently located on the fourth floor.

Powell Williams is familiar with the building, having previously advised Carlton Communications on its own refurbishment programme in 2010. This earlier project finished in October and Cube Real Estate is keen to capitalise on the team's first-hand knowledge of the building, as well as its technical expertise.

As part of the acquisition agreement, and on behalf of the vendor, Powell Williams is also delivering a series of external improvements including lighting and drainage works, and the completion of a new 500-space car park.

Michael Jones, lead partner of Powell Williams in Birmingham will head the team: "These internal improvement works will improve the use and flexibility of the building - and, ultimately, its value - making it a more attractive option in the commercial office space market in Bedford. Having completed a similar project in another part of the building for the previous owner, we are pleased to have been appointed by Cube to deliver this new scheme, providing both them and the existing tenant with a seamless transition."

The team from Powell Williams' Birmingham office is involved with the design and specification for the new space, associated planning and building regulations, and is project managing both the enabling works and the internal fit out.

Jonathan Lawes from Cube Real Estate said: "The purchase of Technology House was one of three acquisitions we made for Cubemaker from Carlton Communications, two of which have been leased back to ITV. This property offered a different proposition, as it is ideally placed to meet the rising demand for high quality office accommodation from the local market. We believe that our programme of improvement works will help us to attract new tenants and release the true value of this building as a commercial asset. We have worked with Powell Williams before to deliver various projects and are confident that they will deliver the goods on time and on budget."

Cubemaker Properties is a £100m investment fund administered by Cube Real Estate in partnership with Ropemaker Properties Ltd, the property investment arm of the BP Pension Fund.