Overbury transforms Arup’s Manchester office space

Collaborative approach to retrofit and reuse generates 91 tonnes in equivalent carbon savings

Fit out and refurbishment specialist, Overbury, has helped multidisciplinary sustainable development firm, Arup to bring to life its vision for a larger, more sustainable, fully hybrid workspace in Manchester.

Arup has been based at 3 Piccadilly Place since 2014, and earlier this year committed to a further 15-year lease on a total of 36,000 sq. ft for their 500 colleagues at the Grade A Manchester office building.

Owned by Longmead Capital, 3 Piccadilly Place has undergone significant improvements to build on its sustainability credentials on a pathway to net zero carbon. The building already boasts a BREEAM Excellent rating, Certified 100% renewably sourced energy, and a WiredScore Platinum mark.

As its previous lease ended, Arup opted to expand its presence within 3 Piccadilly Place to capitalise on the building’s enhanced sustainability and well-being credentials. The commitment to 3 Piccadilly Place aligns with Arup’s national estates investment strategy for net-zero by 2030.

The Overbury team worked closely with the Arup team to transform its workspace using the most sustainable methods possible, including reusing furniture where possible.

From the 1,109 pieces of furniture required across the project, Overbury reused 70 per cent (709 items) of existing furniture, working with circular economy partners from the local supply chain to limit the number of items being bought new or sent to landfill.

Where furniture could not be reused, Overbury purchased items through its subcontractors to create cradle-to-cradle solutions. The repurposed items also included reupholstered sofas and lounge chairs, plus re-powder coated stools and media units. Also, 1,800m2 of carpet was returned via a local take-back scheme.

Using this approach saved 91 kgCO2e of carbon – the equivalent to 42 return flights from Manchester to New York City.

Overbury used Carbonica, its in-house carbon reduction calculator, to monitor carbon savings throughout the project and produce a report that was presented to Arup at the end of the project.

Both companies also collaborated to create an inclusive and accessible design to promote productivity and well-being throughout the Arup Manchester team, ensuring perspectives of all employees were considered, including neurodiverse colleagues.

Some design adjustments included dedicated quiet pods and semi-private focus booths to create a hybrid workspace for all.

Finally, Overbury implemented a social value plan for the project, which aligned with Arup’s ESG commitments.

Philip Westwood, director at Overbury, said: “We worked closely with Arup throughout this project to create a vibrant new workplace that meets the company’s broader net zero targets and aligns with their ambitious ESG strategy. By expanding into the existing premises at 3 Piccadilly Place using the most sustainable approaches to office design, including a strong focus on reuse, we’ve produced a future-proof office space for many years to come.”

Mike Wilton, leader of the Manchester office, said: “Arup is a collective of designers, consultants and experts supporting a wide range of organisations across the globe with sustainable development. Practising what we preach is therefore key, so we are proud to be able to demonstrate state-of-the-art sustainability in our own office spaces.

“There are intrinsic benefits to our Manchester offices. Proximity to Manchester Piccadilly rail station means we are in fact the UK Arup office with the lowest commuting carbon emissions. As an employee-owned organisation, we care what our employees want. Three quarters of our staff voted to stay and retrofit the space at 3 Piccadilly when our previous lease came to an end.

“We believe that reusing existing assets is part of the future of offices in the city minimising carbon emissions involved in transitions. We are proud to have worked with Overbury to create a space fit for now, but sustainable for the future too. This project is an example of the benefits we find when we collaborate with partners using imagination, technology, and rigour to shape a better world.”

Longmead Capital is completing a programme of substantial works to improve the ESG performance at Piccadilly Place through the implementation of a pathway to net zero carbon and delivery of a high-quality amenity hub, which will include 100 bike racks and lockers, as well as shower and changing facilities.

Recent refurbishment of the common areas and on-floor office space has been completed, with the scheme now offering both conventional and fully fitted Cat B workspace solutions available from 8,000 sq. ft.