A property investment offers the chance to have fun with design while increasing the value of your house or apartment. It’s not just about decorating, fixing the roof and overhauling the plumbing, although these will all increase the value. You can also elevate your property value with luxury interior and
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a damaging impact on many UK firms within the furniture industry, despite a sharp fall in imports. Some of these firms were struggling financially before the pandemic, particularly ‘bricks and mortar’ retailers, as customers switched to online sales, while the closure of outlets accentuated that
Manor Interiors, the expert in build-to-rent furnishing solutions, has found that the vast majority of UK tenants have found themselves living with furniture that is unfit for purpose having moved into a furnished rental property. For many tenants, a furnished rental property is the preferable option as it saves a
The interior designer behind the luxury show homes at riverside residential development The Yacht Club, Nottingham, has shared her top design tips for summer 2021. Ghazala Mogul, interior designer at KMRE Group Ltd – the Leeds-based developer behind The Yacht Club and other residential projects around the country – has
Developer Sellar and architecture and interiors practice Universal Design Studio have unveiled designs for a 15,000 sq ft concept space, The Exchange at Paddington Square – the new district in the heart of London’s Paddington, being delivered by the team behind The Shard. Envisioned as a members’ club for occupiers
Deanestor, one of the UK’s leading furniture and fitout kitchen specialists, has completed the first phase of a £4.3m contract for the manufacture and installation of more than 600 kitchens for one of the biggest build-to-rent schemes in Manchester. Developed by Vita Group and built by John Sisk & Son,
A refurbishment project to deliver high-quality office space and environmental improvements at the headquarters of West Yorkshire Combined Authority, has reached a major new milestone. Fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor, Willmott Dixon Interiors has completed work on the renovation of the third and fourth floors of Wellington House, a five-storey
Willmott Dixon Interiors has furthered its track-record for transforming the interior of iconic London buildings, with the construction of new office accommodation at the Grade I-listed National Gallery. The fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor has delivered additional space and state-of-the-art facilities in the east ground floor and part of the
PwC’s new Merchant Square offices will ‘transform city into a global centre of innovation’ Leading construction and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has handed over one of the most ground-breaking projects to be completed in Northern Ireland in recent years. The award-winning company was the fit-out contractor for PwC at Merchant Square,
Modern and contemporary furniture pieces are a must for creating welcoming spaces. Simplicity has been a recurring theme in modern furniture and décor pieces. This trend has undergone series of changes since it first surfaced in the late 1800s. It’s not surprising that many elements now come with minimal embellishments.
A property investment offers the chance to have fun with design while increasing the value of your house or apartment. It’s not just about decorating, fixing the roof and overhauling the plumbing, although these will all increase the value. You can also elevate your property value with luxury interior and exterior features and design that will make it a pleasure to live in until you sell. Truly a win-win situation. The property experts at the Luxury Property Show have picked out six of the best home improvements to make your property stand out in the market. Luxury elements can be that x-factor in clinching a sale or holding onto an asking price. With the UK property market changing in response to the pandemic, and houses that offer a more pleasant (and professional) working-from-home environment exploding in value, sellers should consider upgrades that add value. However, not all installations are equal and some home improvements will cost more than they recoup. So, it’s worth assessing how much a feature is going to cost you and whether you’ll enjoy using it when still living in the house, and then checking with a specialist luxury-property estate agent how much it will actually increase the asking price of your home, before embarking on an expensive improvement. A garden office The proportion of people working from home in the UK rose vastly during the pandemic and is unlikely to decrease soon. So if your property has space, a garden office overlooking the flowerbeds can really push up the value. A garden office space is also a great choice for properties that would be made cramped by including the workspace inside. To be clear, we’re not talking about a glorified shed, but a smart, well-insulated, damp-proof and beautiful building, with electricity and possibly even plumbing. Prices start in five figures, but planning permission is generally not required – a saving in itself both in time and money. A pet and wildlife-friendly home If you’re among the 3.2 million households that acquired a “lockdown pet”, you’ll know the challenges that pet ownership throws up. There are simple improvements that make accommodating a pet easier, such as a smart cat flap that only opens to your own microchipped cat, or more substantial, like converting the cupboard under the stairs into a little pet room or bed. A cleaning station where you can bath a dog after a muddy walk will be a lot more pleasant than the garden hose – for both of you – while a stylish feeding station can keep mess and smells to a minimum. The lockdown also encouraged many homeowners to rethink their gardens to be both more enjoyable for themselves and more wildlife friendly. A professionally designed pond can certainly increase the value. It will not only encourage birds, bats, reptiles, hedgehogs and even deer to your garden, but can also be calming and fun for you too. Going one better, a natural swimming pool, also known as a swim pond, uses natural processes to clean a swimming pool. They cost from around £50,000 from scratch, but much less if you convert an old-style chemical pool to use naturally clean water. You can then swim among the rushes and reeds, iris and forget-me-nots, while dragonflies hover and swallows swoop. Make the basement into a wine cellar Strange to think that until 1970 fewer than half of UK households owned a fridge. Once upon a time everyone knew that the lowest, north-facing part of the house was the coolest, even capable of keeping ice until well into the summer. Perfect for wine then! Wine should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. The temperature mustn’t fluctuate too much throughout the day, or throughout changes in the season. If your basement is where the boiler is built, for example, the temperature might rise and fall too much. The dedicated oenophile may well invest instead in a commercial-grade wine cooler. But if you have the space, a smartly designed wine cellar will certainly add value to a home. A purpose-built, climate-controlled wine cellar works particularly well with homes clearly designed for entertaining, with large and attractive dining rooms and gardens with terraces and high-end pergolas. A wine cellar also offers potential for dramatic and exciting storage. The combination of oak – traditionally used in viniculture – steel, glass, subdued lighting and those rich wine colours is inherently classy. Feel free to do a few vineyard tours to gather ideas! Install a walk-in wardrobe Nothing says “you’ve made it” like walking into your own wardrobe, to see your clothes beautifully presented rather than stuffed into drawers. A walk-in wardrobe attracts attention to your property. It is also likely to appeal to the female buyer – traditionally the final decision-maker in property purchases. Recent research has also found that it can add over £100,000 to the price of your property. So, consider this as one of your pre-sale improvements. Your high-tech bathroom A well-designed bathroom will always add value to a home. While for some high-end buyers throwing out the old fittings and installing your own fresh, unused design will always be essential, others will be wowed by a beautiful bathroom. You can go high or low tech – either can work well. Meghan Markle’s £5,000 copper bath was a distinct nod to the traditional, as are waterfall showers and wet rooms. A wet room, especially in an upstairs room, requires the highest quality fitting, and will normally add 20 to 30% to the cost. For others, mood-enhancing lights created by a “chromotherapist”, a waterproof TV built into the tiling and an LCD panel from which you can set the mood from within the bath might just make that sale for you. After the pandemic it’s all about touchless technology – yes even in your own bathroom – with digital taps and toilet seats, and self-cleaning facilities. Install or upgrade the security Burglary offences in the UK have, mercifully, roughly halved in the past 20 years. Even
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a damaging impact on many UK firms within the furniture industry, despite a sharp fall in imports. Some of these firms were struggling financially before the pandemic, particularly ‘bricks and mortar’ retailers, as customers switched to online sales, while the closure of outlets accentuated that trend. Laura Ashley, Debenhams, Harveys and Bensons for Beds are some of the companies who have recently, either gone into liquidation or Administration, or are trading with a reduced portfolio. Even before the pandemic affected the market, margins were continuing to be squeezed in all sectors, with value growth restricted by the continued high level of cheaper imports and the significant degree of discounting in the retail sector. Typical of a mature market, many niche sectors have developed to target products more effectively and differentiate from competitors. Strategies include the introduction of new brands and product ranges, as well celebrity endorsements, with companies sometimes using successful brands from other sectors to promote their products. Ozge Celik Russell, Research Manager at AMA Research, comments “The UK upholstered furniture and beds is a mature market responsive to changes in levels of consumer confidence, disposable income, and the performance of the housing market. The Covid-19 pandemic had a major negative impact on manufacturers, retailers, and market size in value terms. However, the surge in household savings levels during the pandemic and the forecast increases in housebuilding volumes should provide a strong basis for growth in the upholstered furniture and beds market in the short to medium term.” The UK residential furniture market had shown steady growth since the recession, reaching an estimated £5.7bn in 2019, an increase of around 16% in the 2012-19 period, supported by an improving housing market and rising levels of consumer confidence. However, growth had been slowing generally during the period, as inflation continued to outstrip wage increases and uncertainty clouded the UK economic environment, as the Brexit negotiations moved slowly towards completion. The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic had a devastating effect on the UK economy in 2020, adversely affecting many sectors, with non-essential retail outlets closed at various times, many other firms affected by social distancing regulations and a significant number of employees either working from home or being furloughed. The residential furniture market is estimated to have fallen by around 18% in value terms in 2020, although some sectors have fared better than others during that time, with the availability of effective online sales facilities being an important factor.
Manor Interiors, the expert in build-to-rent furnishing solutions, has found that the vast majority of UK tenants have found themselves living with furniture that is unfit for purpose having moved into a furnished rental property. For many tenants, a furnished rental property is the preferable option as it saves a great deal of hassle on moving day, while others simply don’t own much furniture in the first place. In fact, previous research by Manor Interiors found that 66% of tenants would actually pay more to secure a well-furnished rental property, although the quality of the furniture was also an important factor. However, it seems as though landlords are letting themselves down in this respect, as Manor Interiors has now revealed that 59% of tenants found the items in their furnished rental property simply weren’t fit for purpose. When asked what the predominant reason was, the majority stated that the furniture supplied was cheap and of poor quality. Old and dated furniture was the next biggest issue with furnished rental home furniture, while the third biggest gripe for tenants was the fact that furniture was dirty or unhygienic – a worrying revelation in current COVID times. Some found that the furniture in their rental property was in disrepair, while comfort was also an issue for others. Luckily, furniture that was dangerous and could cause injury was the least most prominent issue, although some tenants still found it to be the case which is simply unacceptable. CEO of Manor Interiors, Farhan Malik, commented: “The modern-day tenant craves convenience and a furnished property will provide great appeal to the majority, who simply don’t want the arduous task of moving heavy furniture items in and out of rental properties every time they move. However, in this day and age and with rents as high as they are, they also expect a certain level of quality and so it’s simply not enough to fill a rental property with inadequate items of furniture. Unfortunately for most tenants, they won’t notice these furniture shortfalls until they have moved in and this can see them left with items that simply aren’t fit for purpose for the duration of their tenancy. It doesn’t matter if you own one buy-to-let, an extensive portfolio, or you’re looking to furnish a full build-to-rent development, quality, bespoke furniture can be secured for less than you might think. Any furnishing company worth their salt will be able to furnish or provide replacement items, within 24 to 48 hours and so there’s no excuse to leave a tenant high and dry.” Survey of 1,633 UK tenants carried out by Manor Interiors via consumer research platform Find Out Now (29th July 2021). Do you think the items supplied in furnished rental homes are fit for purpose? Answer Totals No 59% Yes 41% Why not? (Tick all that apply) Answer Totals Cheap/poor quality 26% Old/dated 23% Unhygienic/dirty/stained 20% In disrepair 14% Uncomfortable 11% Dangerous (e.g. could cause injury) 5% Find out more about Manor Interiors Facebook: Manor Interiors Mcr LinkedIn: Manor Interiors Mcr Ltd Twitter: @manorinteriors_ Pintrest: Manor interiors Instagram: manor_interiors Houzz: Manor Interiors We Chat ID: wxid_6ns3c5rp0cee12 WhatsApp: 07525815276 Website: https://manorinteriors.co.uk/ Landline: 0161 879 7137 Email: orders@manorinteriors.co.uk
The interior designer behind the luxury show homes at riverside residential development The Yacht Club, Nottingham, has shared her top design tips for summer 2021. Ghazala Mogul, interior designer at KMRE Group Ltd – the Leeds-based developer behind The Yacht Club and other residential projects around the country – has shared her expert insights into the trends homeowners should consider embracing this season. “This year seems to be one of change for so many of us, and that is something which is being reflected in the style of our homes, and how we are choosing to decorate and rework the space to suit new lifestyles. We are seeing a shift from the minimalistic, Scandinavian-inspired trends, with neutral tones, that have been popular for a number of years now – to the more colourful, expressive styles that incorporate much more variation, with nature and eco-friendly designs proving to be very sought-after,” said Ghazala. “Many of these new trends have been incorporated into the interior design at The Yacht Club – the use of natural, earthy colours with plenty of greens and blues echo the location’s stunning waterside views of the River Trent and the nature reserve beyond. I’ve compiled a list of top tips to consider this year when redecorating your home, from what to say goodbye to, to what to embrace – to make your home feel refreshed with an inspired new look.” Design tips from Ghazala: Home interior trends are we saying goodbye to The shift away from the use of crisp white and neutral tones in homes is gaining traction as homeowners opt for more colour. Pristine white kitchens in a minimalistic design are no longer the firm favourite among households, as the trend for more textures, colours and unusual statement accessories and tiling take centre stage. Following the pandemic, more people have made the move towards home working. As a result, individual spaces and home offices have become essential – open plan living is no longer king of interior design, as more and more homeowners require their own private spaces in order to manage their new post-pandemic routines. Emerging trends The trend for nature and incorporating natural elements into the home is growing in popularity this year, as we all pine to bring a burst of the outdoors indoors. Perhaps it is a consequence of spending more time inside over the last 12+ months, but nature is making its way into our homes through the use of colour – earthy tones like sage and olive greens, oceanic blues and subtle fleshy shades are taking over home décor Pinterest boards and glossy magazines alike. Eco-friendly design is also on the rise, as people gravitate towards textured accessories and handmade ornaments made from natural materials and it is one of Ghazala’s design tips to do the same. The trend for remote working has seen a huge increase in the need for home offices – and inspiration for an Insta-worthy workspace design is everywhere. Light, simple and spacious rooms filled with only the essentials – a comfortable desk and chair, high-spec tech, fast wifi and a few key pieces for decoration are the best way to create a space that’ll help to inspire productivity and clarity. A cluttered space does not help a cluttered mind! Colour schemes we can expect to see more of this season Another one of her design tips includes the use of warm, earthy colours, a trends that is going to continue and it is likely that designers and homeowners alike will become even more bold with their colour choices – expect to see lots of deep blue, emerald green, cosy greys and plenty of sage green in the coming months and into 2022. Trends to look out for next year The immaculate, sparkling white interiors of previous years will continue to fade as colour will dominate the décor trends next year. Homeowners are keen to express their personalities through interior design – with a mix of fresh, modern style, statement pieces, textures, patterns and of course, colour. The bolder the better! A favoured trick from interior designers is the use of texture – any well-designed space will have a number of different materials, from light wood to tiling to woollen throws and velvet cushions. The variety of texture adds an extra element to the space, giving it both a stylish and a homely feel. The same goes for patterns – using a mix and match approach, next year will see many more stripes, checks and polka dots in striking colours to provide added interest to rooms. Post-pandemic preferences In terms of changing lifestyle habits following lockdown restrictions – as well as sleek new home offices, many homes will also see a change in their layout. Open plan living is no longer top of the must-have priority list when it comes to the ideal home, as people seek more privacy and individual spaces within the home that they can make their own. From snugs to studies – we are looking for quieter, closed spaces for relaxation, work and entertainment. Given that many of us have spent a great deal more time in our homes over the last year than previously, the need for our own space is understandable and it is influencing our design choices as a result.
Developer Sellar and architecture and interiors practice Universal Design Studio have unveiled designs for a 15,000 sq ft concept space, The Exchange at Paddington Square – the new district in the heart of London’s Paddington, being delivered by the team behind The Shard. Envisioned as a members’ club for occupiers and set within the entrance of an 18-storey, light-filled building designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop, The Exchange addresses how the culture of work has radically shifted, offering a blend of productive office environment and work-from-home comfort and convenience. It will provide occupiers with a dedicated concierge, all-day and evening bar, event spaces, a yoga suite, meeting rooms, multimedia suites and an outdoor terrace which overlooks a new 1.35-acre public piazza, a new entrance to the London Underground and a series of specially commissioned public artworks. Paddington Square is set to open in spring 2022. The concept behind The Exchange reflects its name; inverting the traditional use of the lobby or foyer, and its denotation as a transient thoroughfare, to instead become a highly social and inclusive communal space for the exchange of ideas and sparking of collaboration. The space will be an example of what the office can be – not just a place to meet deadlines and attend meetings, but somewhere to inspire ideas, new connections and boost physical and mental wellbeing. Occupiers will have access to an app that will serve as a digital concierge for the building, enabling the booking of shared amenities, meeting rooms, services and events within the space. A curated programme of group and individual classes, workshops and events will be rolled out for occupiers to enjoy as part of their work life that facilitates knowledge sharing, personal development and networking opportunities between fellow occupiers of the building. The building app will also act as a security key for frictionless entry and exit to the building and provide occupiers with a curated stream of news, hyperlocal travel updates and stories from the community. Working to Sellar’s vision for the space and taking cues from the world of hospitality, Universal Design Studio’s design marries functionality with craft and warm materiality, whilst prioritising the wellbeing of occupiers. Bright, light-filled spaces are to be set with beautifully crafted furniture and natural materials like oak timber and terrazzo selected in contrast to softer materials in the seating areas. The collaboration with Renzo Piano Building Workshop on the building’s architecture carries through to a number of the interior design choices, including the incorporation of planting as biophilic ‘material’ to enhance both mental wellbeing and air quality. Through carefully planned zoning and the placement of design elements that are suggestive but never didactic, open working areas and breakaway spaces are integrated throughout with quiet corners for reflection. To ensure the space remains active at all times of the day, a series of meeting rooms, working and flexible spaces adapt to event and entertainment uses in the evening, alongside an all-day bar and terrace, adding theatre and encouraging regular transitions between working, meeting and socialising. An acknowledgement of different working styles, timings, the role of individuality and requirement for flexibility has driven the concept approach for The Exchange, providing occupiers with choice and ultimately promoting social interaction, productivity and collaboration. Paddington Square is the centrepiece development to Paddington’s regeneration, due to complete in spring 2022. Featuring a crystalline building designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Paddington Square will present 14 floors of bright, beautifully designed and flexible workspace, four floors of shopping, bars, and cafes, a new Bakerloo line station entrance, west London’s highest rooftop dining experience and a 1.35-acre public piazza.
Deanestor, one of the UK’s leading furniture and fitout kitchen specialists, has completed the first phase of a £4.3m contract for the manufacture and installation of more than 600 kitchens for one of the biggest build-to-rent schemes in Manchester. Developed by Vita Group and built by John Sisk & Son, 266 luxury apartments have been handed over at Circle Square and construction of the second phase of 417 apartments is well advanced. Designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, the £247m build-to-rent scheme is part of a £750m mixed-use development on the former BBC site in the centre of Manchester. This landmark regeneration project is creating a vibrant new urban neighbourhood, providing homes, commercial office accommodation, and retail and leisure space. Deanestor is manufacturing and installing 683 kitchens and around 2,000 fitted wardrobes for the high specification one, two and three-bedroom apartments for modern private residential living. The bespoke fitted wardrobes are supplied in four sizes and finished in contemporary cashmere with a sleek metal edge handle. “These are high quality apartments to meet the rising demand for city living. Our requirement was for exceptional quality kitchen and bedroom furniture and a robust installation. Design-led aesthetic appeal for the fitted furniture is essential in order to attract tenants and create a fantastic first impression of the apartments,” said Tristan Herbert, Development Director at Vita Group. “Kitchens are particularly important in an open-plan living space and need to look good for years to come. These kitchens definitely have a wow factor. The finishes such as solid surface worktops are high specification and reflect our brand very well. Deanestor has delivered high quality products in the first phase which have met our expectations and requirements. Their team also kept working throughout the pandemic and supported us in a challenging year. Lettings are going well, and we are looking forward to completion of the second phase.” The open-plan kitchen fitout has white quartz worktops, an oak-effect finish to the breakfast bar and moulded doors with an integrated handle in indigo blue for the base units and white for the wall cabinets. Door backs are colour-matched, and the cabinets are manufactured by Deanestor to very accurate tolerances for this high specification, design-led build-to-rent scheme. The space between the kitchen cupboards has been reduced using a specialist hinge detail for a sleek appearance. All the appliances for each kitchen are integrated for an enhanced finish, including the hob, oven, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, and washer dryer, all supplied and fitted by Deanestor. As part of the design development process, Deanestor created a mock-up kitchen at its Mansfield factory for the client team to review. Deanestor have also manufactured and installed 683 service cupboards in three sizes, and 350 store cupboards, finished in indigo blue to complement the kitchens. The lifestyle enhancing living spaces at Circle Square include shared lounge areas, co-working spaces, gym, and facilities for private entertaining, split across two buildings. Deanestor provides high quality contract furniture solutions to construction clients and contractors for healthcare, education, student accommodation, build-to-rent and laboratory projects – both new build and refurbishment. It offers bespoke design services to meet specific project requirements and is responsible for installation to provide a seamless approach for its customers and a single point of contact.
A refurbishment project to deliver high-quality office space and environmental improvements at the headquarters of West Yorkshire Combined Authority, has reached a major new milestone. Fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor, Willmott Dixon Interiors has completed work on the renovation of the third and fourth floors of Wellington House, a five-storey office building in Leeds city centre. The project is transforming 48,300 sq ft of office space into a flexible and collaborative working environment, with improved accessibility for employees and members of the public. The new space is being equipped with a reconfigured entrance lobby and internal layout, as well as larger conference rooms for public meetings. Externally the 1980s structure has been re-roofed and photovoltaic panels have been installed to provide much needed improvements to the building’s energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint. The refurbishment contract was awarded to Willmott Dixon Interiors via Major Works England and Northern Ireland, part of the Scape National Construction framework. The project is expected to be completed by November 2021. Phil Crowther, regional director at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “We’re making excellent progress in the delivery of modern and fit for purpose office space at Wellington House. It’s especially pleasing to be able to handover these high-quality new facilities, given the huge challenge of ensuring the safety of our team throughout the pandemic. We’re looking forward to delivering the next phase of the project and continuing the positive relationships we have forged in the local community.” As part of its delivery, Willmott Dixon Interiors generated a social return on investment of more than £860,000, by investing time and resources in local projects centred on employability, people skills, career workshops and mentoring opportunities. These opportunities were created by partnership working with the Department for Work and Pensions on a Mentoring Circles programme; the Ministry of Justice on a programme in local prisons; and Barnsley College who Willmott Dixon Interiors have worked with to create two industry placements for students as part of their T-Level Qualification. Wellington House is the latest refurbishment project to be delivered by Willmott Dixon Interiors in Yorkshire, following the transformation of Quarry House in central Leeds on behalf of a government body. For more information, visit: www.willmottdixoninteriors.co.uk
Willmott Dixon Interiors has furthered its track-record for transforming the interior of iconic London buildings, with the construction of new office accommodation at the Grade I-listed National Gallery. The fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor has delivered additional space and state-of-the-art facilities in the east ground floor and part of the existing basement areas of the world-famous gallery on Trafalgar Square. The scheme, called the Accommodation Hub, has created a six-floor courtyard infill extension that will provide offices for over 250 members of staff who will be relocating from existing offices in the neighbouring St Vincent House and the Gallery’s Wilkins Building. The back of house works included the removal of partitions, subdivisions and lowered ceilings throughout the central ground floor area and the creation of a modern and flexible working environment with high ceilings. Two covered atria have been created in the office lightwell and Belvedere lightwells, and new floors have been inserted in the eight-storey office lightwell to provide new office space. The basement areas have also been overhauled to provide additional storage and meeting space and the original brickwork of the extended part of the building, designed by Edward M Barry, has been sympathetically restored. It is the latest project to be completed by Willmott Dixon Interiors at the National Gallery, following the contractor’s complete refurbishment of Gallery 32, which reopened to the public as ‘The Julia and Hans Rausing Room’ in July 2020. One of the largest and most visited rooms of the National Gallery, it displays 17th-century Italian paintings by artists including Caravaggio, Artemisia and Orazio Gentileschi, Guido Reni and Guercino. Graham Shaw, managing director of Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: ”It has been a real privilege to deliver further enhancements to the National Gallery. The creation of new and modern office accommodation will greatly benefit the gallery’s existing workforce, providing significantly upgraded facilities that will offer opportunities for flexible working and collaboration. We’re incredibly proud to have delivered this project following the successful full refurbishment of Gallery 32 last year. It further demonstrates our track-record for transforming historic buildings and improving visitor experiences for years to come.” Delivered by main contractor, Willmott Dixon Interiors, the project team included architects, Purcell; structural engineer, The Morton Partnership; Andrew Reid & Partners as services engineer; Faithful+Gould as QS and commissioning manager; fire consultant, IFC; planning consultant, Montagu Evans; and acoustic consultant, Waterman Acoustics.
PwC’s new Merchant Square offices will ‘transform city into a global centre of innovation’ Leading construction and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has handed over one of the most ground-breaking projects to be completed in Northern Ireland in recent years. The award-winning company was the fit-out contractor for PwC at Merchant Square, a £14million project which has created 200,000 sq ft of Grade A office space over nine floors in Belfast city centre. The offices will accommodate up to 3,000 employees at the former Oyster and Royston buildings, in the heart of the business district and adjacent to the City Hall. Gilbert-Ash Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson said the new offices are one of the most digitally advanced spaces in the city and will cement Belfast’s position as a global centre of innovation. He said: “We are always very proud to work on landmark buildings, but this project in our home city is one we are particularly proud of as Merchant Square has the power to be truly transformative for Belfast. “While the building boasts an array of technology, the design features include elements of the industries which Belfast has been built upon. It is a celebration of our past while looking to the future with great confidence. “The interiors within PwC’s offices incorporates the city’s industrial and linen heritage as well as a number of Northern Ireland’s high-profile landmarks, such as the internationally iconic Harland & Wolff cranes. Themes running throughout the building have also been inspired by the city’s ship building and aviation industries. “The building also reflects the geography of Belfast with the River Lagan and Botanic Gardens incorporated into intricately crafted bespoke interiors.” The landmark building incorporates technology-enabled client collaboration and event spaces. It also includes a state-of-the-art digital hub that will provide the infrastructure and environment to inspire and support innovation. Ray Hutchinson said: “We have worked with excellent local partners to bring this fit-out project to life, with advanced logistical planning and management during what has been a challenging year for many industries, including construction. “This is a building which will help foster an excellent working environment and help inspire and attract the best people to work in Belfast. We are very proud to be handing it over to PwC now.” PwC in Northern Ireland is PwC UK’s fastest-growing UK region and Merchant Square represents its largest regional office outside London. Kevin MacAllister, PwC’s Regional Market Leader, Northern Ireland said: “This is an exciting time for PwC, and we are very proud to be moving into our stand-out new home at Merchant Square delivered by the excellent team at Gilbert-Ash. “Belfast is PwC’s recognised global centre for technology, digital advisory services and research and is a major exporter of technology and regulatory advisory services. “This move underlines the PwC Executive Board’s confidence in Northern Ireland, and we have already begun a major recruitment drive with 771 jobs being created over the next five years. “Merchant Square will enable PwC to continue to grow in local, national and international markets from Belfast.” Gilbert-Ash attributes its continued success to its ‘As One’ approach and its unique working culture and family environment as an employee-owned company. It continues to complete a broad portfolio of successful construction projects across sectors including arts and culture, workplace, hotels and leisure, science and technology, retail and residential. To find out more about Gilbert-Ash visit www.gilbert-ash.com.
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