Exclusive National Portrait Gallery event provides backdrop to book launch Leading construction and fit-out contractor, Gilbert-Ash has launched the second volume of its Landmark Landscapes publication at an exclusive event at the National Portrait Gallery. The beautifully designed book features a bespoke collection of standout buildings Gilbert-Ash has worked on
Known for their durability, versatility and timeless beauty, quartz worktops offer a range of benefits that make them a top choice for any residential development. While the initial investment may be higher than some alternative materials, the long-term benefits and the value added to any property make quartz worktops a
Commercial fit out and refurbishment specialist, ICON Projects, with 3 office locations in the UK including London, has recently welcomed Ashley Kemp to its senior leadership team as Operations Director. Ashley brings a wealth of expertise to the business, having worked with Tier-1 fit out contractors over the past 15 years
Hayley Ivin promoted to marketing director as Cardiff-based firm is on track to reach the £60-million turnover mark High-growth company Paramount has strengthened its management team with the appointment of Hayley Ivin as marketing director to accelerate its advance to the £60-million turnover mark. The Cardiff-headquartered design, build, fit-out and
Leading office interior design consultancy, Office Principles, is to deliver the new south London headquarters of recruitment specialist, Galago Group. Office Principles will design and refurbish the former Sentinel House, a self-contained office building of 36,700 sq ft fronting the Brighton Road in Coulsdon. The building, which will be known as Galago
November 2023, London: Following on from successful shows in both the UK and the Netherlands this year, Workspace Design Show is pleased to announce the first names to be added to the speaker programme for its London 2024 show. Held from 27-28 February 2024 at the Business Design Centre, Islington,
THE NEW Nottingham Central Library is one step closer to opening its doors following the completion of a stunning interior fit out and refurbishment by Overbury. Putting children and young people at the heart of its design, the new library, which is owned by Nottingham City Council, includes an immersive storytelling wall and
CEG has delivered a turnkey office solution for Equifax at East West in Nottingham. Equifax moved into the 20,000 sq ft bespoke designed workspace within the Maid Marion Way building in August and has signed a 10-year lease. Phil McGilvary, Managing Director of Debt Services at Equifax, said: “It was
Workspace Design Show, the leading trade show bringing together the UK workplace design community, returns to London’s Business Design Centre for its eagerly awaited third UK edition from 27-28 February 2024. At the 2023 event, visitor number increased by an impressive 75% year on year with exhibitors from over 20
CEG has just completed two floors of bespoke designed and fit-out space for transport, infrastructure, and engineering company SYSTRA, at the iconic 28-storey Alpha tower in Birmingham. The 10-year lease of 14,000 sq ft marks the largest custom fit deal delivered by the investment and development company to date. Richard
Exclusive National Portrait Gallery event provides backdrop to book launch Leading construction and fit-out contractor, Gilbert-Ash has launched the second volume of its Landmark Landscapes publication at an exclusive event at the National Portrait Gallery. The beautifully designed book features a bespoke collection of standout buildings Gilbert-Ash has worked on in recent years and features projects including the Everyman Theatre, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Royal College of Music. Having delivered the largest redevelopment of the National Portrait Gallery since it opened in 1896, Gilbert-Ash chose the iconic venue as the perfect backdrop to celebrate the launch of the second volume of Landmark Landscapes. Gilbert-Ash’s special guest at the launch, which took place on Wednesday 22nd November, was renowned artist Colin Davidson. His portraits of Ed Sheeran and Sir Kenneth Branagh currently hang in the Gallery. In conversation with the National Portrait Gallery’s Chief Curator, Dr Alison Smith, Colin spoke about his artistic approaches and the importance of the landmark building in London. Speaking at the launch event, Gilbert-Ash’s Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson said the latest edition highlights exactly what is possible when Gilbert-Ash’s people work together, as one. He said: “Gilbert-Ash has a reputation for taking on landmark projects which require innovation and collaboration to succeed. “The standout projects in this volume demonstrate how we go above and beyond for our clients and work as one with our trusted supply chain to deliver iconic buildings. “They highlight how we excel in working across a number of different sectors and this volume offers a pause for reflection and celebration of the satisfying results our efforts can achieve. “I am already looking forward to the next volume of Landmark Landscapes which will proudly feature our work on the National Portrait Gallery alongside our pipeline of other exciting projects.” To find out more about Gilbert-Ash visit www.gilbert-ash.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Known for their durability, versatility and timeless beauty, quartz worktops offer a range of benefits that make them a top choice for any residential development. While the initial investment may be higher than some alternative materials, the long-term benefits and the value added to any property make quartz worktops a rewarding choice for house building professionals. Roann Limited, based in Wakefield, is a trusted supplier to some of the UK’s leading house builders and developers, including Taylor Wimpey and Barratt Homes. The company collaborates with various worktop providers across Europe to offer a range of products and finishes. As specialists in high-volume projects, Roann Limited has transformed the way house builders acquire worktops, by partnering with them to achieve substantial cost reductions on their development and project expenses. Scott Wharton, Operations Director, tells us more about the benefits of using quartz worktops in residential developments. Durability For house building professionals, durability is non-negotiable when selecting materials for new developments. Quartz worktops, which are engineered using a combination of natural quartz crystal and resin, exhibit remarkable resilience. This quality ensures that they can withstand the rigours of daily use, resisting stains, scratches and chips. Over the years, Caesarstone has grown to become a worldwide leader in kitchen worktops with an impressive range of products. Its quartz surfaces are made with up to 90% quartz minerals to give advantages that surpass those in marble, granite and other natural stones. Caesarstone is one of our most popular brands for good reason. It’s available in virtually any colour or pattern, and is incredibly easy to cut, so it can be customised to fit any shape or size – no matter how complicated! We recently completed a new development project in West London, where we installed 202 units of Caesarstone worktop. The end result is a modern, sleek aesthetic, tailored for contemporary living. Easy maintenance Unlike natural stones, quartz worktops are non-porous. This means that they do not absorb liquid or stains, and are resistant to bacteria or other microorganisms from spills. This makes quartz the obvious choice for busy and active households. Generally speaking, soap and water or a mild detergent are all that’s necessary to keep a quartz worktop sparkling clean. Another bonus of installing a quartz worktop is that there is no need for time-consuming and often expensive sealing that some natural stone worktops require. This allows house builders to complete projects efficiently and within budget, which is always a bonus! Aesthetically pleasing Quartz worktops are available in an extensive range of designs, colours and finishes. As the material is manmade, the design can be tailored to suit any interior. The consistency in colour and pattern across the entire surface will ensure a uniform and cohesive look. With the appearance and feel of natural quartz, Compac is a technological quartz that has high heat resistance and remarkable quality. It’s available in an extensive range of colours, designs, sizes, thickness and ornamentations. It’s ideal for kitchen worktops that are subject to extensive use. Sustainability House builders committed to sustainability may choose to install a quartz worktop as many of these surfaces are produced using recycled materials. This aligns with corporate social responsibility practices and contributes to a reduced carbon footprint. Manufactured with exclusive and innovative HybriQ technology, Silestone is a more sustainable approach to architectural surfaces. The products contain a minimum of 20% recycled materials, such as glass, along with premium natural materials that provide depth of colour and high performance. Since its creation, Silestone has set major trends in the market, transforming the world of kitchen worktops. Silestone is one of our bestsellers, and was selected as the worktop of choice for our biggest project to date earlier this year, a residential development in Finsbury Park, London. Worth over £676,000, the Woodberry Down project is a sustainable development which features over 5,500 new homes. “We’re extremely happy with Roann Limited’s performance. I’m getting good feedback from the site team and have had a look at some of the worktops myself, and they look great,” said James Riley, Senior Site Manager, Berkeley Group PLC. It’s a project dedicated to the natural environment and is focused on creating a sustainable community, an initiative we are keen to support through our own endeavours. We recently replaced all of our kitchen worktop packaging from single use plastic, to fully recyclable packaging, preventing 140kg of single use plastic going to landfill in 2023, through just one average project, and are committed to reducing our carbon footprint even further in the coming years. Silestone was also chosen as the upgraded worktop option by David Wilson Homes, part of the renowned brand Barratt Homes, on its Penning Ridge development based in Sheffield. “We are excited to be working with Roann Limited for our beautiful development, across our division at Barratt DWH Sheffield. The quality of the workmanship and service levels so far have been incredible,” added Simone Roberts, Sales Manager at David Wilson Homes Adding value The long-term benefits of quartz worktops include adding value to a home, as they are designed to stand the test of time. Using this superior material can enhance the marketability and resale value of homes, a crucial selling point for potential house buyers or investors. If budget is an issue, house builders may consider Fugen, which offers a more cost-effective surface than some of the premium brands – without compromising on quality or style. While there is only a limited range of colours and designs available, Fugen worktops boast all the benefits of other quartz worktops, including durability and easy maintenance. Warranty Many producers also provide warranty with their worktops, including Silestone which provides a 25 year warranty. This assurance of quality and longevity can provide peace of mind to house builders and potential house buyers. Whether house builders are renovating an existing property or developing a new one, quartz should be considered as the surface material of choice due to its attractive and superior qualities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The
Commercial fit out and refurbishment specialist, ICON Projects, with 3 office locations in the UK including London, has recently welcomed Ashley Kemp to its senior leadership team as Operations Director. Ashley brings a wealth of expertise to the business, having worked with Tier-1 fit out contractors over the past 15 years both in the North of England, and in London. Working as part of the wider UK team, Ashley has been brought in at partnership level to help grow the ICON Projects brand across a range of sectors, whilst ensuring the highest level of customer service. ICON Projects offer a range of high-quality services from its offices in London, Cheshire and Birmingham, with emphasis on customer-centric collaboration and industry leading technology. Services include workplace consultancy, design, and fit out across commercial office, retail, higher education, and life sciences sectors. Recent projects include completed projects for Magnet, Wickers, Flokk and LINK group. Speaking of his new role, Ashley had this to say: “When the opportunity arose to join ICON Projects at partner level, I jumped at the chance.” “Our focus will remain on customer service, creating roles for great people, and fulfilment of our long term ESG commitments. This is all made possible by the total freedom we have to embrace technology and drive innovation at every level to create an enjoyable journey for all project stakeholders, including the communities we work in.” “Being part of the ICON Projects team at this stage affords me the exciting opportunity to shape our growth in line with our long-term ESG commitments. This company is about working with good people to leave a positive mark on our world, and that’s a purpose I can really stand behind.” Craig Shenton, Director at ICON, commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Ashley to our growing team as Operations Director. Ashley is our most senior appointment to date and signals our intent to deliver the highest quality customer experience across a range of sectors. Ashley brings a wealth of experience and is entirely aligned with our core values of integrity, care, opportunity and unity.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hayley Ivin promoted to marketing director as Cardiff-based firm is on track to reach the £60-million turnover mark High-growth company Paramount has strengthened its management team with the appointment of Hayley Ivin as marketing director to accelerate its advance to the £60-million turnover mark. The Cardiff-headquartered design, build, fit-out and refurbishment specialist has promoted Hayley from her role as marketing manager to spearhead the firm’s marketing strategy and maintain its “impressive” growth trajectory. Hayley joined Paramount in February 2020 and her promotion marks further expansion of its management team to support company progress, which was boosted earlier this year following a strategic move into the construction sector. Hayley successfully led Paramount through a company rebrand in 2021. Since then, she has delivered continued growth for the Paramount brand through effective market-entry campaigns into the South West and expansion of its core offering into the construction sector under the ‘Build’ pillar, following Paramount’s 30-year history in fit-out. Commenting on her new role, Hayley said: “I’ve enjoyed every minute of my time with Paramount and I’m relishing the opportunity to work with the management team and senior leadership to ensure our dynamic company keeps moving in a positive direction. “These are really exciting times for Paramount as we expand our geographical reach across England and Wales and embrace opportunities across new sectors. Paramount is a company where creativity and curiosity thrive, and I’m committed to developing a strategy that not only promotes our difference but shines a light on our in-house talent and culture.” Hayley is now part of a management structure headed by Chief Executive Officer Richard Jones and will work in synergy with Paramount’s senior leadership team. Richard Jones, Paramount’s Chief Executive Officer, added: “I’m absolutely delighted that Hayley has accepted my invitation to join our management team. “She’s an outstanding marketing professional and the qualities she has displayed since joining Paramount epitomise everything that is good about the company and her promotion underlines our commitment to developing talent and promoting from within. “Hayley is a brilliant addition to our management team and I am confident her blend of experience and expertise as well as her tremendous work ethic and people skills will ensure she plays a key role in our ambitious growth strategy.” Paramount, whose turnover currently stands at £38.5 million, employs 61 people who still own a majority shareholding of the business – 51 per cent – following completion of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) scheme, in May 2021, a deal which marked a major milestone for Paramount after a period of sustained growth The company is well known across Wales and England where it has created high-quality inspirational space for a number of leading companies. These include the multi-million-pound redevelopment of Hodge House in central Cardiff, refurbishment of the Development Bank of Wales HQ, transformation of the Dock House office complex on historic Welsh Back in Bristol and acclaimed office revamps in Bath for American software company SmartBear and financial services consultancy Equisoft. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading office interior design consultancy, Office Principles, is to deliver the new south London headquarters of recruitment specialist, Galago Group. Office Principles will design and refurbish the former Sentinel House, a self-contained office building of 36,700 sq ft fronting the Brighton Road in Coulsdon. The building, which will be known as Galago House, will be remodelled to enable people to collaborate and connect with one another. It will feature a spacious central reception and lounge, two floors of revamped office space and a new centrally placed break out area. Office Principles will upgrade all tea points, carpets, ceiling tiles and lighting in the building, as well as improving the existing lift. Work will be undertaken to ensure compliance with the latest fire safety regulations, flooring will be levelled where required, and there will be new branding and wayfinding. New furniture will also be installed. Employee wellbeing is a central theme of the design, which will feature an abundance of natural light and a palette that uses durable and resilient finishes. Natural tones and textures work in harmony with the light industrial touches, such as areas of exposed coffered ceiling. Externally, there will be new entrance doors and building signage as part of a striking new frontage design. The refurbishment will target an EPC ‘B’ rating and a SKA accreditation for its strong sustainable credentials. All finishes will be BREEAM certified and existing materials will be reused where possible. Galago Group comprises seven recruitment companies specialising in a variety of sectors including healthcare, private nursing, driving and industrial, and engineering and construction. The firm is relocating from nearby Purley and recently acquired Galago House to support its continued growth. It will occupy two floors of the building, with remaining office suites available to let between 2,000-11,600 sq ft. Galago Group chose to work with Office Principles as part of a pre-refurbishment consultancy project. The contractor was subsequently appointed to design and deliver the works following a competitive tendering process, with J3 Partners acting as project manager. The project is due for completion by the end of Q4 2023. Tom Parsons, sales director at Office Principles, said: “This is very much a people driven refurbishment project which is the result of a collaborative partnership between Galago and Office Principles. We will create a series of purpose-built spaces that allow people to be more connected and work in flexible ways that best suit their needs. “We’ll be delivering significant improvements to the building’s front of house, including the partial removal of existing internal walls to create a much larger and inviting space, complemented by an eye-catching street frontage. Sustainability is a key theme of the project, supporting personal health and wellbeing and ensuring that this multi-tenanted building is even more attractive to prospective occupiers.” Robert Stiff, CEO at Galago Group said: “We are delighted to be working with Office Principles to create our new headquarters at Galago House. Their expertise in designing engaging workspaces that support collaboration and employee wellbeing made them the perfect partner for this exciting next step in our journey. The open, bright and modern environment Office Principles will deliver, aligns perfectly with our dynamic culture and vision of the space we want to create.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
November 2023, London: Following on from successful shows in both the UK and the Netherlands this year, Workspace Design Show is pleased to announce the first names to be added to the speaker programme for its London 2024 show. Held from 27-28 February 2024 at the Business Design Centre, Islington, the event will feature an impressive mix of senior professionals from architects and designers to developers and end users, who will come together to discuss the most pressing issues facing the workplace design community now and into the future. Confirmed speakers so far include Helen Berresford, Head of ID:SR, Sheppard Robson, Golnaz Ighany, Sustainability Director, BDP, Collin Burry, Design Principal, Gensler and Oliver Hall, Partner – Architecture and Sustainability at Make Architects. Representatives from occupiers include Louise Sheppard, UK Head of Workplace Services & Social Sustainability, Zurich and Sue Glew, Programme Director, The Better Workplace Programme, British Telecom, and Neil Usher, VP Places, Sage, with other highly-experienced industry professionals including Guzman de Yurza, Global Head of Workplace Strategy Capability, JLL and Sally Marshall, Director, Turner & Townsend. The speaker programme will delve into the most urgent topics confronting the sector. These include The Holy Trinity of Culture, Space & Opportunity; Exploring the reality of neurodiversity, inclusivity and equality; AI or die? Using AI in workplace design to enhance creative output and generate innovative ideas; and Designing a workplace that meets cross generational needs. Workspace Design Show 2024 will again feature four different talks programmes, featuring 120 speakers. The Workspace Design Talks will be exploring the latest trends and insights in workplace design, strategy and culture, while the Sustainability Works programme will also return for next year’s edition. This stream of discussion will again bring together a selection of key figures behind the workplace market’s leading sustainable initiatives, projects and product developments. The FIS Conference, a not-for-profit representative body for the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector in the UK, will once again take place at Workspace Design Show, providing a platform for the latest industry thinking from the finishes and interiors sector. The Occupiers Forum, meanwhile, will provide ‘The View from HQ’, giving that crucial perspective from the occupier side of the workplace design equation, as well as providing insights into what employers are doing to create an engaging workplace experience. Once again, Workspace Design Show will gather together leading architects, designers, real estate professionals, tenants and other industry experts to exchange their insights around the world of workplace design. Workspace Design Show 2024, 27-28 February 2024, Business Design Centre, 52 Upper St, London N1 0QH workspaceshow.co.uk For further information contact Nova Joseph, nova@workspaceshow.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
THE NEW Nottingham Central Library is one step closer to opening its doors following the completion of a stunning interior fit out and refurbishment by Overbury. Putting children and young people at the heart of its design, the new library, which is owned by Nottingham City Council, includes an immersive storytelling wall and different creative zones for a range of ages. The dynamic space also features an events area that forms part of the foyer and public cafe, art displays, a gaming area for teenagers, a dedicated children’s library, a teaching area, and a bookable 100-person meeting space. The library, which will officially open to the public on the 28 November 2023, is Overbury’s first major project to be procured through SCAPE – one of the UK’s leading public sector procurement authorities – and made possible alongside Morgan Sindall Construction. This led to a large focus on building back into the city by allocating project spend with local Nottinghamshire businesses and the wider Midlands region. Working to set KPIs with Morgan Sindall Construction and SCAPE Consultancy, the project delivered over £2m in social value, with more than 60% of spend achieved with local SMEs, as well as over £62k through non-profit organisations. Andrew Wood, Managing Director at Overbury, said: “Libraries are an important part of local communities and can be a vital lifeline for many people. This building will play a big part in the future of the city as it undergoes large-scale transformation, and it’s been exciting to see the new library take shape and the interiors have really made the building come alive. “It’s also important to ensure the library is a welcoming environment for children and young people to help inspire a love of reading and books in our future generations. The space has been designed with them in mind and has been brought to fruition with the help of several local businesses and charitable organisations, delivering real value to the local area.” The library marks a further step in Nottingham City Council’s ambitious plans to create a modern and dynamic library at the centre of the multi-million-pound Broad Marsh regeneration area. It is a key element of the city’s Southside regeneration area and plans include a new ‘green heart’ on the former Broad Marsh site and a green infrastructure network linking Nottingham Castle to the Island Quarter regeneration site. Cllr Pavlos Kotsonis, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at Nottingham City Council, said: “The library is looking fantastic, and we are excited to open the doors the public in November. We have worked hard with construction partners like Overbury to create a state-of- the art facility. It is a library that residents and visitors of all ages will love, but especially children who will be able to enjoy a fantastic collection of books, an immersive audio-visual story telling room and plenty of spaces to enjoy reading and take part in fun activities.” The firm collaborated with leading multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard, acclaimed architects FaulknerBrowns, M&E consultancy Chord, and Morgan Sindall Construction to create the library, which spans three levels, with glass balustrades and a suspended staircase linking two floors. Richard Fielding, Area Director at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “Working with Overbury to deliver work through the SCAPE framework means we can collectively strive to transform local communities and leave meaningful and lasting legacies behind. This new Central Library is a perfect example of us working together to achieve exactly that, and we can’t wait to open its doors and for it to become a cornerstone of the community. “It was also a privilege to give back to the city by working with local SMEs and supporting community initiatives to further benefit the area. The library is a truly modern, dynamic space and is something we hope the young people of today and tomorrow will enjoy for years to come.” Steve Dickson, Associate Partner at FaulknerBrowns Architects said: “Our design references and is influenced by the city and its surroundings; colours, textures, and materials are of Nottingham, giving the interior a sense of place and connection to its environment. The library landscape is also rich in both traditional media and digital media, enabling learning for all.” Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE said: “Through SCAPE, the new library will be delivered with speed, efficiency, and value for money, and will ensure that a positive, sustainable legacy is created through Morgan Sindall’s ongoing social value initiatives and community engagement. “Nottingham City Council’s plan for regenerating the wider Broad Marsh area is redefining how public facilities can be integrated into modern spaces, to meet the needs of a changing community, and each project within this is vital to help the city become carbon neutral by 2028.” The project has prioritised cost-effective, modern techniques and the designs – taking inspiration from Nottingham’s lace-making heritage – utilising carefully selected materials, such as timber for a natural aesthetic and improved sustainability. Oliver Hatton, Director at Pick Everard, said: “We’re proud of how our close collaboration across the range of management, design and consultative services has resulted in delivering a valued space for the local community, underpinning our ethos of delivering better, together. The work has been carried out to an extremely high standard – building on the achievements of the wider Broad Marsh bus station and car park development – and we’ve no doubt the public will be delighted with the finished product. “We’re now looking to forward to the ongoing work in the wider regeneration zone, which will continue to transform the largest development space in any core city in Europe.” For more information about Overbury, please visit www.overbury.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CEG has delivered a turnkey office solution for Equifax at East West in Nottingham. Equifax moved into the 20,000 sq ft bespoke designed workspace within the Maid Marion Way building in August and has signed a 10-year lease. Phil McGilvary, Managing Director of Debt Services at Equifax, said: “It was time for a transformation when we planned our move from Fletcher Gate. Our new workspace needed to be contemporary and vibrant, helping to retain and attract the best talent. We love East-West; it offers fantastic amenities such as the café bistro, break-out spaces and is within an easy walk of the city centre. CEG was able to custom design a full turnkey solution designed and delivered to our brief, and the team are already really enjoying working in such a fantastic space.” More than 220 workstations have been delivered for Equifax, providing a mix of traditional desks, hot desks, and sit or stand desks alongside break-out workspaces and meeting areas. Alex Goode, investment manager at CEG, explains: “We’re delighted to welcome Equifax to East West. The building has fast become a thriving business community following its £5 million refurbishment. “Equifax was attracted by our Let Ready Custom offer as it provides design and fit out, so once they chose the space and style, we delivered all the benefits of bespoke workspace. Our experienced in-house team manages the process from start-to-finish, sharing best practices and meeting business goals from design and layout to productivity, health and sustainability, guaranteeing your space is delivered on time, to budget and to the highest standard. “With a UK-wide network of tried and tested contractors and suppliers, we can also negotiate the best possible price and better yet; there is no upfront cost as we amortise the capital as part of your package.” CEG worked with Ultimate (Commercial Interiors) Ltd, an innovative office fit-out and furniture specialist, who create high-end, visually stunning interiors. Dan Platt, CEO from Ultimate, said: “We’re extremely proud to have secured this contract with CEG allowing us the opportunity to work on such a significant development. The Equifax project embodies our commitment to excellence and builds on our knowledge and experience of working within the East West building for the last four years. Every corner and every fixture was made with a keen eye for detail and a dedication to fostering a work environment that reflects Equifax’s values. The end result is a stunning example of a high-end quality office space.” CEG recently transformed East West, delivering 175,000 sq ft of best-in-class workspace. The adjacent Toll House pub was integrated into the development, providing a café bistro and business lounge offering spaces to eat, meet, drink and work with easy access to WiFi and plug-in points. This first phase of redevelopment has created a striking new reception area to the East building, as well as improvements to the glazing, lighting, heating and ventilation, with new cycling facilities, showers, drying room and lockers being delivered later in 2023. East West also offers an on-site Life team dedicated to making occupiers’ lives easier and healthier. They, along with the dedicated Life app, will help to create a more collaborative and productive community, be it booking meeting rooms, arranging dry cleaning, organising events, bike maintenance or fitness classes, to local shopping and activity discounts. Centrally located on Maid Marian Way, East West is home to KPMG, Nottingham Trent University, Arup, JLL, Scape Group and RSM. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Workspace Design Show, the leading trade show bringing together the UK workplace design community, returns to London’s Business Design Centre for its eagerly awaited third UK edition from 27-28 February 2024. At the 2023 event, visitor number increased by an impressive 75% year on year with exhibitors from over 20 countries showcasing innovative and transformational workplace interiors products over the two days. Building on this success, over 75% of stand space is already booked for 2024. The organisers of the Workspace Design Show have unveiled an array of exciting plans for the upcoming February event. This year, the show will revolve around the theme of Bloom: Exploring the thriving ecosystem of work life. One of the standout features will undoubtedly be the raft of collaborations with renowned architects’ practices, promising an unforgettable experience for attendees. Gensler will be designing the Design Talks Lounge, BDP will be curating the Insights Lounge, both of which will be sponsored by Hunters, and tp bennett will be responsible for creating a experiential entrance design. Workspace Design Show will be the place in London for architects, designers, occupiers, developers, consultants, coworking companies and fit-out companies to explore the latest industry trends, see the latest products, and find inspiration in the thought-provoking talks programmes. Commenting on the last edition of Workspace Design Show, Gurvinder Khurana, Director, M Moser Associates said: “I would highly recommend attending the show next year, it is a brilliant chance to learn and to meet many people through a shared interest in the design sector.” Natalie Smith, Principal, Planning and Strategies, London, Perkins and Will added, “Highly recommend – a show that brings the entire industry together; a great place to network.” Workspace Design Show 2024, 27-28 February 2024, Business Design Centre, 52 Upper St, London N1 0QH Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CEG has just completed two floors of bespoke designed and fit-out space for transport, infrastructure, and engineering company SYSTRA, at the iconic 28-storey Alpha tower in Birmingham. The 10-year lease of 14,000 sq ft marks the largest custom fit deal delivered by the investment and development company to date. Richard Brookes, investment manager at CEG, explains: “Most companies don’t employ experts at design and fitting out workspace. They have a business to run and staff to manage, so a landlord willing to deliver this, especially one that will amortise the costs within the lease, can help clinch the deal. “SYSTRA were already located on one floor, but as they swiftly grew, they wanted bespoke, contemporary workspace befitting the expanded team. We agreed a deal over two floors, with a full design and refit package, providing 160-strong workspace, meeting and board room and kitchenette facilities – all designed to retain and attract the best talent. “Our in-house team of building and project managers know Alpha better than anyone and were able to design the most efficient space, working in harmony with existing pipework, air/cooling system and fire constraints. We managed the process from end to end, meeting SYSTRA’s goals from design and layout to productivity, health and sustainability, with the client also making cost savings thanks to our supply chain buying power.” In recent years, CEG delivered a £16.6 million refurbishment of Alpha, creating a contemporary and collaborative working environment for corporates wanting space floor by floor to Let Ready fully furnished flexible studio space for smaller and growing companies. As a result, the building is now 85 % let. John Porter, facilities manager at SYSTRA said: “Alpha is well located within central Birmingham close to New Street station, which makes it really accessible for the team. The recent refurbishment has also provided some of the highest quality space in the city, and the Let Ready studios were ideal. “The ability to accommodate our fast growth within custom-designed space be-fitting of our brand was perfect, and the fact that it could all be delivered by the landlord at no risk to us was even better. “We have a well-motivated team which loves coming to work in our new workspace. they benefit from the café, wellness studio and gym on site, and the Life by CEG app is great for keeping everyone up to date with events and offers.” Since early 2022, CEG has delivered more than 150 Let Ready Custom Design + Fit Out deals, with the help of its UK network of agents. By the end of this year that is likely to grow to more than a 100 deals per annum, creating bespoke workspace for thousands of people. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
