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
The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) is delighted to share the news that the Level 2 Fitted Interiors Installer apprenticeship, which until now has been a pathway within the Furniture Manufacturer apprenticeship standard, has been approved to have its own standard by the Institute for Apprenticeships
Works will transform former manor home into Cat A office space Award-winning contractor, Gilbert-Ash has been appointed to carry out the fit out of a former London manor home, transforming it into a modern Cat A workspace. Situated in the heart of Richmond, Kew Studios is a building steeped in
Global real estate investment management firm, Blue Noble LLP, has announced plans to refurbish Eleven Brindleyplace, a 110,000 sq ft Grade A office building in Birmingham city centre. The new design will reconfigure the building’s substantial double height reception and ground floor business lounge and deliver best-in-class amenities including an
James Latham introduces Swiss Krono’s One World, a unique selection of Melamines specifically for the UK and Ireland. Yesterday, James Latham, one of the UK’s leading independent distributors of architectural materials and finishes, announces the UK and Ireland launch of Swiss Krono’s One World collection. Specially curated for James Latham,
Project will preserve iconic Brutalist landmark facade for the ‘affordable luxury for the people’ hotel Award-winning construction and fit out contractor, Gilbert-Ash, has been appointed as the main contractor to develop Ireland’s first citizenM hotel: citizenM Dublin St Patrick’s. Molyneux House on Bride Street has a long and varied past
Interior design consultancy Office Principles North, has completed the design and delivery of the new green office of Energy & Utility Skills in Solihull. Office Principles North has handed over 5,000 sq ft of CAT B office space on the first floor of Avon House off the A34 Stratford Road,
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
The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) is delighted to share the news that the Level 2 Fitted Interiors Installer apprenticeship, which until now has been a pathway within the Furniture Manufacturer apprenticeship standard, has been approved to have its own standard by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE. This is a significant development and indicates an important juncture in the process of building a sustainable workforce – not just for the installation sector, but the whole KBB industry – as KBB installation career opportunities become instantly more visible to education leavers and those considering a career change. Even more so, having a standard specifically for KBB installation provides an opportunity for the industry to build other apprenticeship pathways within the standard to meet the needs of the sector, such as specialist pathways in kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom installation, as well as other disciplines including surveying, fabrication and even site management. The IfATE has advised that the Fitted Interiors Installer apprenticeship will be approved for delivery imminently, ahead of over 100 apprenticeship standard revisions which are currently being fast-tracked through internal processes, many of which within the construction and built environment team. Damian Walters, CEO of BiKBBI commented ‘This development is a game-changer for our industry, and we should all be very excited about the opportunities that now exist as a result of having a stand-alone apprenticeship standard for fitted interiors. It has been a long and arduous process to get the standard approved, and a huge amount of credit must be given to Lisa Williamson and her team at Achieve + Partners, who have been instrumental in driving this through. The possibilities for attracting new talent to our sector and addressing the skills shortage across the KBB industry are, quite literally, endless as a result of this achievement.’ Lisa Williamson, Director at Achieve + Partners said ‘We are delighted that we now have the standalone apprenticeship available, giving the KBB industry the recognition it rightly deserves. I would also like to thank the KBB industry for their continued support through the extended development process. We look forwards to working with the KBB industry and training provider network to offer apprenticeships and help build a skilled workforce.’ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Works will transform former manor home into Cat A office space Award-winning contractor, Gilbert-Ash has been appointed to carry out the fit out of a former London manor home, transforming it into a modern Cat A workspace. Situated in the heart of Richmond, Kew Studios is a building steeped in history and rich in character which will be completely transformed into stylish office space with a strong focus on sustainability. The £10million project includes the refurbishment of the building to include structural works to create a staircase, lift core and mezzanine plant platform. There will also be alterations to external openings, building repairs, replacement of MEP services to reconfigure the building for subdivision and fitout. Work to the Kew Works building includes roof and front elevation with front and rear extensions, new roof including a green roof, insertion of mezzanines, external and internal refurbishment including fit out to shell and core. The project, which will be carried out in three phases, also includes external hard and soft landscaping. Gilbert-Ash Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson said the company is delighted to be working on such an innovative project which includes a number of sustainable initiatives. He said: “The architect, AMD along with our client, 10JSP Investments has developed a really exciting vision for the future of this building and one that is respectful to its long history. “Much of the original building will be preserved but it will be enhanced with features such as a living green roof, electric vehicle charging, cycle storage and solar panels. “Gilbert-Ash has an excellent reputation for delivering high quality fit out projects and we are excited to be working on the scheme at Kew Studios.” Just a short distance to the River Thames and Chiswick Bridge, Kew Studios is also only a short walk to the iconic Kew Gardens, making the new office space an excellent choice for companies working in the capital. Gilbert-Ash has a unique approach to construction, fit out and refurbishment based on the belief that great buildings come about through hard work, inspired innovation and genuine collaboration. Sustainability is a key focus for Gilbert-Ash with a number of initiatives underway to help the company to drive down its carbon footprint. To find out more about Gilbert-Ash visit www.gilbert-ash.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Global real estate investment management firm, Blue Noble LLP, has announced plans to refurbish Eleven Brindleyplace, a 110,000 sq ft Grade A office building in Birmingham city centre. The new design will reconfigure the building’s substantial double height reception and ground floor business lounge and deliver best-in-class amenities including an on-site café and a client event space. With strong focus on ESG, the scheme also includes an upgrade to ‘end of journey’ facilities, comprising secure bicycle storage and repair station, fully equipped showers and lockers. Interior design consultancy Office Principles North, has been awarded the refurbishment contract and the project is due to complete in October 2023. Nicole Steed, director of asset management at Blue Noble, said: “We’re excited to progress our plans to further enhance the facilities at Eleven Brindleyplace. We are proud to be delivering this scheme to an already impressive building, creating outstanding and well configured on-site amenities that provide the space and experience modern occupiers want.” Eleven Brindleyplace boasts floor-to-ceiling glazing on all 12 floors, with 24-hour access and on-site parking. Carter Jonas and Fisher German are leasing agents marketing 38,000 sq ft of available office space at the building. Alex Tross, partner and head of office agency Midlands at Carter Jonas, said: “The high-quality, affordable office space and range of amenities make Eleven Brindleyplace an ideal base for businesses looking to establish a presence in Birmingham’s thriving business community. The building offers convenient access to the city centre and benefits from both secure parking and close proximity to local transportation links, including the West Midlands Metro.” Charles Warrack, partner at Fisher German, said: “Eleven Brindleyplace is an ideal opportunity for occupiers to secure some of the best office space in Birmingham, as the market bounces back and occupiers seek a flight to quality accommodation.” For more information on availability at Eleven Brindleyplace, please contact Alex Tross at Carter Jonas on 0121 306 0401 and Charles Warrack at Fisher German on 0121 561 7885, or visit https://www.elevenbrindleyplace.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
James Latham introduces Swiss Krono’s One World, a unique selection of Melamines specifically for the UK and Ireland. Yesterday, James Latham, one of the UK’s leading independent distributors of architectural materials and finishes, announces the UK and Ireland launch of Swiss Krono’s One World collection. Specially curated for James Latham, One World brings together 37 of Swiss Krono’s highly sought-after, premium melamines in one place. Offering a near-unrivalled variety of patterns and textures, One World covers all the bases, including monotone, woodgrain, material reproduction and design surfaces. Unlocking creativity, One World’s surfaces can be continually combined in new and interesting ways, opening up a diverse range of design possibilities and firing the imagination of any specifier, daring them to mix, match and experiment. A cornucopia of decors Available across all James Latham’s 14 UK and Ireland depots, the distributor possesses a full stock holding of black, white and standard carcass decors, with three distinct collections: UNI, Woodgrain and Camustyle TX. Taking a closer look: UNI: From subtle to bold, and beautiful in their simplicity, this collection comprises a wide variety of on-trend colours, updated on a regular basis to ensure everything ‘in fashion’ is always available. Woodgrain: features realistic oak, elm, chestnut and walnut finishes with a timeless and elegant finish that will enhance any style. Camustyle TX: Inspired by limestone and textile surfaces, these sophisticated decors feature an impressive vintage look and a rugged texture, offering massive creative potential for furnishings and interior design at an affordable price point. Form and Function The quality of the One World range is not just skin deep. Lightweight and simple to fabricate and install, it’s suitable for a variety of commercial and residential internal surfacing applications, from furniture and shop-fittings to kitchens, bedrooms, hotels, and offices. PEFC™ certified, the range meets the new low-emission class of ED2020 (E0.5), halving the formaldehyde content of E1 melamines. Available in the UK and Ireland from James Latham, One World comes as 2800 x 2070 x 18mm sheets. For more information on the One World Collection, click here. For more information on James Latham’s award-winning distribution services, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Project will preserve iconic Brutalist landmark facade for the ‘affordable luxury for the people’ hotel Award-winning construction and fit out contractor, Gilbert-Ash, has been appointed as the main contractor to develop Ireland’s first citizenM hotel: citizenM Dublin St Patrick’s. Molyneux House on Bride Street has a long and varied past including spells as a Huguenot Church, a bird market and the offices of well-known Irish architect, Sam Stephenson. The distinctive façade of the building, originally designed by Stephenson, is set to be retained as Gilbert-Ash transforms the site into a 245-room, nine-storey hotel featuring citizenM’s signature bedrooms, inspiring workspaces, a living room filled with art, designer furniture and a 24/7 canteenM serving breakfast, coffee, cocktails, and grab-and-go food. It will also feature a double-height open air art gallery accessible from the ground floor, a terrace courtyard, and four societyM rooms – citizenM’s take on meeting rooms but with a twist. All of these spaces will be open to the public, with societyM rooms available to book for full- or half-day use. The project, designed by citizenM’s long-standing architecture firm partner concrete Amsterdam, will get underway in August 2023 with completion set for early 2025. Known for its hybrid hotel concept that answers to the common frustrations of modern travellers by not only providing a great place to sleep but also to work and play, citizenM currently has 31 hotels across the UK, North America, Europe and Asia. The new Bride Street project next to St Patrick’s Park marks the brand’s first venture into Ireland, although it is actively seeking further opportunities in Dublin city centre. citizenM Dublin St Patrick’s will be Gilbert-Ash’s second project with citizenM, having last year completed the fully modular construction of its London Victoria Station hotel. Gilbert-Ash Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson, said the company is pleased to be continuing its excellent working relationship with the hotel brand. He said: “citizenM is known for disrupting the traditional hotel model with a real focus on lifestyle, guest-centric technology, efficiency, value and genuinely great customer service. “Gilbert-Ash takes on a lot of niche projects which require innovation to succeed, and we share a lot of the same values as citizenM, therefore, we feel there is a real synergy between our companies. We are excited to be working with citizenM once again and we are delighted to be taking on another project in the heart of Dublin.” Klaas Van Lookeren Campagne, CEO of citizenM, says: “Dublin has been high on our list of target cities for some time, and we are thrilled to have secured this location as our first entry into the Irish market. We believe our affordable luxury concept is a great fit for the city, appealing to both visitors and locals alike, and look forward to connecting with this vibrant community.” Gilbert-Ash has a unique approach to construction, fit out and refurbishment based on the belief that great buildings come about through hard work, inspired innovation and genuine collaboration. Sustainability is a key focus for Gilbert-Ash with a number of initiatives underway to help the company to drive down its carbon footprint. To find out more about Gilbert-Ash visit www.gilbert-ash.com, and for more about citizenM visit www.citizenM.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Interior design consultancy Office Principles North, has completed the design and delivery of the new green office of Energy & Utility Skills in Solihull. Office Principles North has handed over 5,000 sq ft of CAT B office space on the first floor of Avon House off the A34 Stratford Road, near Shirley. Its design facilitates hybrid working for up to 70 employees, offering a combination of modern, open plan office space, with hot desking, meeting rooms and collaboration and breakout areas. Sustainability is a key feature of the fit out, in line with Energy & Utility Skills’ vision of ‘skills for a greener world’, and boasts a range of environmentally friendly features such as biophilia, planting and a moss wall. The scheme has been independently assessed as having surpassed sustainability good practice criteria and is one of only a handful of UK office fit out projects to have achieved Ska gold certification. Energy & Utility Skills has signed a ten-year lease at Avon House and has relocated to the building from Blythe Valley Business Park. Katie Jarvis, account manager at Office Principles North, said that Energy & Utility Skills is one of many employers that have chosen to redesign office space to support hybrid working.She said: “The role of the office continues to evolve from solely being a place where work is carried out, to a destination that promotes collaboration and brings people together. “Energy & Utility Skills is committed to providing an inspiring and inclusive workplace for its employees and clients. We have delivered a flexible space where people have the freedom to move around and work in different ways, giving them a great experience. “As a business that operates in the energy and utilities sector, the environment is hugely important to Energy & Utility Skills, so we used the Ska rating method to ensure that the project followed sustainability good practice criteria.” The fit out is the latest project awarded to Office Principles North in the West Midlands. The firm has previously completed the design and refurbishment of 148 and 154 Great Charles Street in Birmingham city centre on behalf of Ergo Real Estate, the creation of 24,000 sq ft of Grade A office space at nearby Summer Row for Aegon Asset Management, and the Solihull headquarters of fast-growing underwear and apparel brand, Lounge. More recently it delivered more than 23,000 sq ft of CAT A office accommodation on level 14 of Birmingham’s The Cube, and the new Birmingham home of law firm Shoosmiths at 103 Colmore Row. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
