Games developer in growth

Bulkhead Interactive has expanded its UK operation with a move to a major 6,436 ft2 office facility at Nurton Developments' Cardinal Square office complex, facilitated by FHP.

The company, which was founded in 2015 by five University of Derby graduates, has enjoyed rapid success and now employs a team of more than 65 people at its Derby studio.

Bulkhead Interactive currently develops multiple titles for Steam, Xbox One and Play Station 4, including its main title, the Word War II inspired First Person Shooter (FPS) Battalion 44, which has proved a massive success with streamers. Its second game, The Turing Test has also been a hit with the gaming community.

Commenting on the move to Cardinal Square, Bulkhead CEO Joe Brammer said: “Since entering the games industry, Bulkhead's ethos has been to take care of our people; a high-quality, centrally located studio space forms an important aspect of our philosophy and Cardinal Square offered exactly what we were looking for.”

On the back of the success, Bulkhead Interactive recently opened a second studio in Munich named Bulkhead Darkhorse and rebranded its Derby studio Bulkhead Phoenix.

Cardinal Square is one of the best known office developments in Derby and occupies a prime location fronting Derby’s Inner Ring Road and the A52. The building comprises of four inter-connecting blocks, each arranged on four and five floors and set around a central quadrant that features a hidden landscaped garden.

Over the past 18 months, the building has been the subject of an extensive refurbishment programme by owners Nurton Developments to provide upgraded services and facilities, which is due to be completed in Spring 2020.

Joe Brammer added: “Over the past four years, our team has grown from five students to a dynamic team of over 65 people and we're excited for the next phase for the company's development. Relocating Bulkhead Interactive to high quality office space at Cardinal Square and cementing our business in Derbyshire is the first stage in our new strategic growth plan and we look forward to getting started on some new and exciting projects in our new studio space.

David Dyas, Asset Manager for Cardinal Square owners Nurton Developments, added: “Bulkhead Interactive are a dynamic business with exciting growth plans and we are delighted that they have chosen Cardinal Square for their new home.

“Having a games developer housed at Cardinal Square demonstrates the broad appeal that the newly refurbished Cardinal Square offers to businesses of all sizes and sectors.

Tim Richardson from letting agents FHP Property Consultants who negotiated the deal, added: “We are delighted that Bulkhead have joined the growing number of businesses at Cardinal Square. The convenient location, modern space and hands-on approach of the landlord makes it an attractive proposition for potential tenants.”