ENQUIRIES have been flooding in following the launch of newly refurbished headquarter offices at one of the south's premier business parks.

The flurry of interest follows a five-month comprehensive upgrade programme for 4500 Parkway at Solent Business Park, Whiteley, near Southampton.

London-based property company Draco bought 4500 Parkway from financial services giant Scottish Widows for £9m in early 2006.

More than £3m has since been spent on transforming the three-floor property into a statement building including the installation of a new air conditioning system, a spectacular glass atrium and reception area and new common parts.

The building now provides 56,400 square feet of highly specified, contemporary and flexible office space.

The building can accommodate up to 600 people and has 350 car spaces which, at a ratio of one space per 155 sq ft, is reputedly the best parking provision of its kind on the South Coast.

The official launch was marked with an on-site celebration involving 40 agents from the regional commercial property world.

Russell Mogridge, from joint letting agent Hughes Ellard, said: "We've already had serious interest from a client keen to take the top floor, which amounts to 18,000 square feet.

"Other companies, from as far afield as London, have also expressed strong interest.

"There is a lack of top-spec office space along the M27 corridor, so 4500 Parkway has come on stream at a good time."

Draco director James Brooke-Webb said: "Around £3m has been invested in turning this prominent building into highly specified office space commensurate in quality with the best new buildings in the area but at highly competitive rents. We are keen to continue to invest in the south and are actively looking for further opportunities."

4500 Parkway is being marketed at £18 a square foot by Fareham-based Hughes Ellard and King Sturge from Southampton.

Solent Business Park - the M27 corridor's principal out-of-town business park - has more than 3,000 people working for 40 companies, including prominent names like Zurich, National Air Traffic Control, Northrop Grumann, Abbey and Meridian TV.