By Blueprint Interiors With the hybrid tide turning and more businesses bringing people back to the office, the conversation has quickly moved from “how do we get them back?” to “how do we make them want to stay?” The answer lies not just in desks and deadlines – but in
UK designers and manufacturers of lighting equipment, P&A Projects, have completed a successful commercial project at the Express Building in Manchester. The Express Building is renowned for being the original Daily Express newspaper offices in Manchester. This Grade II listed building was designed by engineer Sir Owen Williams in 1939,
Elliott Group, a long-established name in Construction and Fit Out, has officially launched its dedicated UK Fit Out Division, marking a significant step in the Group’s ongoing expansion across the UK. With a strong pipeline of live projects on site and in PCSA, this move reinforces Elliott Group’s long term
Fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor, Willmott Dixon Interiors, has completed the back-to-frame redevelopment of 19 Cornwall Street in Birmingham city centre, on behalf of their client, Kier Property. The CAT A refurbishment has delivered 139,000 sq ft of flexible, SMART-enabled office space to net zero carbon standards across seven floors
Willmott Dixon Interiors has completed the transformation of Atlantic House in Reading, delivering the new Reading Police Station for Thames Valley Police (TVP). The fit-out and refurbishment specialist has repurposed over 37,000 sq ft of office space across three floors, providing TVP with a facility that delivers the operational requirements
Maslon’s office design prioritizes health and collaboration, setting a new standard for law firms Perkins&Will Minneapolis studio has partnered with Maslon LLP to set a new benchmark in workplace design, reimagining the law firm’s offices on the 29th and 30th floors of Capella Tower into a model of well-being and sustainability, and making Maslon the
Education is constantly evolving, and the exciting potential of immersive learning spaces is at the forefront of this transformation. Two UK colleges have taken a bold leap into this future by partnering with WindsorPatania to turn vision into reality. Eastern Education Group, with its state-of-the-art XR Lab, and USP College,
An office fit-out project by Morris & Spottiswood that incorporates modular construction and circular economy approaches has delivered embodied carbon savings equivalent to driving 45,255km in a large diesel car[1] – enough to circumnavigate the globe (40,000 km at the equator). The project to relocate Morris & Spottiswood’s own Glasgow
Innovative office redevelopment’s accreditation a first for Gilbert-Ash Leading construction and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has welcomed confirmation its £29million office redevelopment on Manchester’s Great Bridgewater Street has been recognised as a ‘BREEAM Outstanding’ project. BREEAM is an internationally recognised standard for sustainability and to achieve this rating, the developer, architects
Willmott Dixon Interiors has completed the restoration and refurbishment of the former Granada cinema building in east London on behalf of Waltham Forest Council, delivering a transformative project that has reinvested millions into the local community. It opens as a new cultural and entertainment venue, managed by Soho Theatre Walthamstow,
By Blueprint Interiors With the hybrid tide turning and more businesses bringing people back to the office, the conversation has quickly moved from “how do we get them back?” to “how do we make them want to stay?” The answer lies not just in desks and deadlines – but in design, culture and purpose. We’ve spent over two decades helping businesses create workspaces that are more than just functional. They’re places where people want to be. And with recent stats showing that nearly 40% of global workers value a positive work environment over salary (Microsoft Work Trend Index, 2024), now’s the time for employers to rethink what a return to the office really means. Here are our top tips for keeping your people happy, productive and loyal once they’re back through the door: 1. Design spaces that inspire collaboration The traditional “rows of desks” model doesn’t cut it anymore. The office isn’t just a place to complete daily tasks – it’s a space for culture, collaboration and connection. Research shows that people want to come into the office to collaborate, build relationships and be part of something bigger. It’s not just about getting people back into the office; it’s about creating spaces that make them want to stay. By creating collaborative spaces that encourage teamwork and innovation, businesses see a significant boost in creativity and employee satisfaction. Top Tip: Use spatial zoning to create different environments – quiet zones, collaboration hubs, social spaces. These spaces will inspire creativity and make employees feel more connected. It shows you understand that work isn’t one-size-fits-all. 2. Prioritise employee wellbeing in design A great workspace isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about creating an environment where employees feel physically and mentally supported. With employees increasingly prioritising wellbeing over salary, the design of your office space plays a crucial role in retention. Top Tip: Integrate biophilic design elements such as plants, natural lighting, and outdoor views to enhance mood and productivity. Include quiet zones for relaxation and focus, and ensure ergonomic furniture is a priority to prevent burnout. 3. Tailor the office to your culture We take a bespoke approach to each client, ensuring the office design mirrors the values, mission, and personality of the company. The workspace should reflect your company’s unique culture, encouraging employees to feel part of something bigger than just their job. Top Tip: Use branded elements in your workspace design, such as custom wall art, colour schemes, or interactive displays that reflect your company’s ethos. Integrate spaces for informal team building, brainstorming, and socialising, ensuring employees feel a sense of belonging. 4. Flexibility still matters Flexibility remains a top priority for employees, and we champion flexible, hybrid-friendly office designs that allow businesses to adapt to evolving work styles. Creating adaptable workspaces helps employees feel empowered and trusted in their roles. Top Tip: Design spaces that can accommodate various work styles. Include adjustable desks, movable partitions, and multi-purpose areas to ensure that the office meets both personal and team needs. 5. Enhance productivity through acoustic design One area that often gets overlooked is acoustics. Poor acoustics can significantly impact employee focus and satisfaction making sound management a priority in creating a better working environment. Top Tip: Use acoustic panels, ceiling baffles, and carpeting to reduce noise in open-plan areas. Offer employees quiet rooms and phone booths for private calls, ensuring they have spaces to focus without distractions. 6. Listen to your people and measure what matters One of the biggest mistakes we see is businesses assuming they know what people want. Is your workspace actually doing what it’s supposed to? Track key metrics like engagement, retention, and productivity – but also qualitative feedback on how the office really feels to your team. We work closely with our clients to evaluate the success of office transformations, measuring not only how well the space works but how it impacts employee experience. Top Tip: Define success criteria and assess progress over time. Conduct regular employee feedback surveys to identify areas for improvement and ensure your office space evolves to meet their needs. At Blueprint, we believe the office should be more than a place to sit – it should be a place to belong. The employers getting it right aren’t just filling their desks – they’re building spaces that fuel purpose, connection and growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
UK designers and manufacturers of lighting equipment, P&A Projects, have completed a successful commercial project at the Express Building in Manchester. The Express Building is renowned for being the original Daily Express newspaper offices in Manchester. This Grade II listed building was designed by engineer Sir Owen Williams in 1939, and features a futuristic, space-age design with curved surfaces and glass finishes. Today the building is used as a modern workspace in a vibrant neighbourhood in Manchester. The Express Building is home to a visitor reception, cafe, and business lounge, while the top fifth and sixth floors provide access to a dedicated terrace area with striking views across the city centre. P&A Projects were appointed to the project by electrical contractor CSK Electrical to supply lighting features throughout the offices and meeting rooms. The brief was to provide a custom, alternative solution to the specified globe pendant luminaires and design a solution for the canopy luminaire. Due to its glass fronted design, the expansive floors are flooded with natural light and the new lighting scheme makes the most of this, by accompanying it with a layered scheme featuring meticulously selected luminaires. P&A Projects supplied 60 400mm Dia Globe luminaires with a bespoke decorative top cap, two 900mm Dia POLO pendant luminaires, a bespoke Art Deco exterior canopy luminaire, and various Subspace 70 linear luminaires varying from 1197mm to 3344mm in length. POLO and Globe are spherical suspended architectural luminaires, which draw the eye to their dynamic design, while the Subspace fixtures provide each area with comfortable general lighting. Philip Ascroft, Managing Director at P&A Projects said: “We were thrilled to work on this innovative project, demonstrating how our bespoke lighting solutions can transform a space to meet the unique vision of the client. The Express building is a renowned architectural feature in Manchester and we were honoured to provide a custom lighting scheme that reflects this.” Project credits: Electrical Contractor – CSK Electrical Lighting Partner: – Palace Lamps Company Photography: Mike Dinsdale Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Elliott Group, a long-established name in Construction and Fit Out, has officially launched its dedicated UK Fit Out Division, marking a significant step in the Group’s ongoing expansion across the UK. With a strong pipeline of live projects on site and in PCSA, this move reinforces Elliott Group’s long term commitment to the UK market, founded on almost 100 years of proven delivery. The launch follows continued success on major UK fit out projects, including the comprehensive refurbishment of The Belfry Hotel and Golf Resort, home of the Ryder Cup, which included the Ryder Grill, Brabazon Bar, and guest bedrooms. Elliott Group is also nearing completion on the K West Hotel in London, a full strip out and redevelopment, transforming the property into a high-spec, four-star hotel. Our Fit-Out Director Shaun Atkinson based in London, added; “This isn’t about entering a new market—it’s about scaling up one we already know, we’ve consistently delivered complex projects to a high standard. Now we’re sharpening our focus with a team and structure dedicated solely to fit out in the UK.” Eddie Campion UK Managing Director added; The new division operates from 39 Moreland Street, London, and is focused on fitout in the commercial office, healthcare, retail, conservation, sports facilities and hospitality sectors. Alongside our FF&E business Total Fitout, the synergies for our clients are compelling and offer our clients access to a fully integrated service, from structural reconfiguration through to finished and furnished interiors, all delivered under one roof where demand for quality, flexibility, and speed of delivery remains paramount. “We’ve built our reputation on consistency and results,” said Noel Elliott, CEO of Elliott Group UK. “Our UK fit out work has followed that same standard. With Shaun leading this next phase, we’re focused on scaling our presence and delivering meaningful value to developers, landlords, and asset managers.” For more on Elliott Group Fit Out Division, see: https://www.elliottgroup.com/uk/our-work/fit-out-division/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor, Willmott Dixon Interiors, has completed the back-to-frame redevelopment of 19 Cornwall Street in Birmingham city centre, on behalf of their client, Kier Property. The CAT A refurbishment has delivered 139,000 sq ft of flexible, SMART-enabled office space to net zero carbon standards across seven floors – making it one of the city’s most environmentally sustainable office buildings. The project features a striking new glass entrance with revolving doors, leading to a double height reception/welcome space. There are two ground floor units with dedicated entrances off Cornwall Street, new interactive breakout areas, and a planted communal roof terrace located on the fifth floor. A central atrium, which extends through the building, has been reduced in size to increase office floorplates and is constructed using sustainable materials from top to bottom. New tenant amenities are located at the ground floor and are designed to promote both employee wellbeing and sustainable travel. They include a multi-functional studio space, showers and changing rooms, cycle storage and 24 electric vehicle charging stations. Willmott Dixon Interiors carried out a full replacement of all MEP services as part of an all-electric strategy to enhance the building’s energy efficiency, which included the installation of 400 sq m of PV panels. Occupiers will also benefit from VRF comfort cooling and heating, and individual floor digital controls. 19 Cornwall Street is BREEAM Excellent, EPC A rated, WiredScore enabled, and is officially registered to achieve a NABERS Target Rating of 5 stars, reflecting the highest standards of environmental office design. The building is also targeting WELL Gold certification. Social value has been an integral part of the refurbishment, with around £9.5 million of spend directed to local suppliers. Willmott Dixon Interiors provided jobs for 12 local people and created multiple training, mentoring and apprenticeship opportunities. This included the delivery of mock interviews and careers advice in partnership with local schools and colleges, promoting construction as a sector of choice. The site team also raised hundreds of pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support through community fundraising. Adam Worrall, deputy managing director at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “We are passionate about creating sustainable, future-proofed workspaces, and 19 Cornwall Street is a great example of that. Kier Property shares our vision for energy efficient office design, and together we’ve transformed an existing building into a modern, high-quality space that meets the highest environmental sustainability standards.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon Interiors has completed the transformation of Atlantic House in Reading, delivering the new Reading Police Station for Thames Valley Police (TVP). The fit-out and refurbishment specialist has repurposed over 37,000 sq ft of office space across three floors, providing TVP with a facility that delivers the operational requirements for the area. The completion of the project enables TVP to consolidate its operations and transition from its previous premises on Castle Street in Reading. Each floor of Atlantic House has been fully refurbished with new ceilings, partitions, and high-quality finishes, alongside upgraded MEP systems. Police officers and staff working from the new facility also benefit from new locker and shower facilities, and other improvements such as communal break-out areas which enhance workplace wellbeing. The project worked to high environmental standards and is set to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating. It was delivered via the Southern Construction Framework (SCF). As part of its commitment to social value, Willmott Dixon Interiors invested in the local community through supplier partnerships, engagement with schools and colleges, and employment opportunities. Nick Kent, project director at Willmott Dixon Interiors said: “The successful refurbishment of Atlantic House provides TVP with a high-quality, efficient, and sustainable workplace tailored to the needs of a modern police force. Beyond delivering a first-class facility, we are proud to have made a meaningful contribution to the local community, supporting employment, skills development, and social initiatives that leave a lasting legacy.” James Wright, head of SCF (South East & London) said: “The completion of this modern and sustainable workspace is a big milestone for TVP and will enable their teams to continue delivering the highest standards for the community. It has been a pleasure to support such a crucial public service in the delivery of these new facilities.” Willmott Dixon Interiors has completed more than 50 fit out and refurbishment projects in the blue light and secured environment sector in recent years. These include projects for the Ministry of Defence and Defence Infrastructure Organisation, and the provision of justice and custody facilities for the Ministry of Justice. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Maslon’s office design prioritizes health and collaboration, setting a new standard for law firms Perkins&Will Minneapolis studio has partnered with Maslon LLP to set a new benchmark in workplace design, reimagining the law firm’s offices on the 29th and 30th floors of Capella Tower into a model of well-being and sustainability, and making Maslon the first law firm in Minnesota to achieve WELL Certification from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) at the Gold level. The WELL Building Standard is a performance-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and well-being. Unlike traditional sustainability certifications that focus primarily on energy and environmental performance, WELL Certification prioritizes the health and well-being of occupants, requiring adherence to rigorous standards across air, water, nourishment, light, movement, and other critical factors that influence workplace experience. By prioritizing employee health and well-being, Perkins&Will helped Maslon redefine what a law office can be, blending innovation, sustainability, and human-centered design to create a workplace that enhances productivity, collaboration, and overall wellness. Designing for Well-Being, Not Just Work Perkins&Will fostered Maslon’s vision for a healthier, more engaging work environment for the firm’s attorneys and professional staff. The office integrates WELL principles through: New Era for Law Office Design Historically, law offices have been characterized by enclosed, hierarchical layouts with limited transparency. Maslon’s new space challenges this traditional model, embracing openness and connectivity. Employees now benefit from glass partitions that maintain privacy while increasing visibility, equitably sized offices, an open work café fostering informal collaboration, and a dynamic, flexible workspace tailored for modern workstyles. “WELL Certification goes beyond sustainability—it’s about creating spaces where people thrive,” said Anne Smith, Senior Interior Designer at Perkins&Will’s Minneapolis studio. “Maslon embraced a revolutionary approach to law office design, prioritizing well-being, collaboration, and flexibility in ways that challenge traditional legal workplaces. We’re proud to have helped bring this forward-thinking vision to life.” A Strategic Investment in Talent and Culture In a competitive talent market, workplace experience plays a critical role in attracting and retaining top professionals. Maslon’s pursuit of WELL Certification was driven by a commitment to creating a workplace that prioritizes its people. This investment has already yielded tangible results: A Leesman survey measuring workplace experience showed a significant jump in employee satisfaction, with scores rising from 71.4 to 86.5—far surpassing the industry benchmark of 66.1. “We wanted to demonstrate our commitment to the health and well-being of our employees and partners and to create an environment that encourages everyone to come into the office,” said Susan Cyronek, Maslon’s Director of Human Resources. “We wanted a new space to support recruitment efforts by showcasing our collaborative environment, its many amenities, and our artwork, and we’re thrilled with the result.” Pioneering the Future of Workplace Design WELL Certification underscores a broader shift in office design trends. More organizations are recognizing that prioritizing employee well-being isn’t just a benefit—it’s a strategic imperative. Perkins&Will continues to lead this evolution, designing workplaces that blend innovation, sustainability, and human-centric solutions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Education is constantly evolving, and the exciting potential of immersive learning spaces is at the forefront of this transformation. Two UK colleges have taken a bold leap into this future by partnering with WindsorPatania to turn vision into reality. Eastern Education Group, with its state-of-the-art XR Lab, and USP College, with its trailblazing USP Immersive Theatre, both spaces were designed to challenge the norms of traditional teaching and deliver deeply engaging, real-world-ready learning environments. Designing the Future with USP College At USP College, the goal was ambitious: to build a flexible immersive theatre that could seamlessly incorporate VR and provide an experience far beyond conventional classrooms’ limits. In an interview with Dan Pearson, USP College CEO, he quoted saying “we have a vision of what we want the space to be able to do. A strategic vision about… future purpose and ensure we stay ahead of time. We knew that the architects that we chose have to be somebody that deliver, someone that can come and give it the wow factor.” WindsorPatania Architects was the chosen entity and led the charge from day one. “Design information was presented in a format that enabled both the client and building user to easily understand how the physical space was going to be utilised,” said John Blundell (MCIOB) from TJEvers. This early alignment helped everyone involved see the vision. As the Architect Director of this project, my main challenge, as usual, is to keep everything together. All these orders, requests, as well as the budget constraints, the timeline. And we’re really pleased to say that we managed to achieve our great results.” The team tackled key design requirements such as adaptability, future-proofing, and ease of use well before construction. Their early involvement ensured that the physical environment would serve the evolving needs of students and staff alike. Our Development Director, Ryan Windsor notes that when we’re thinking about what we’re doing to the space and how we’re gonna transform it, we often think about assets. We want to create an asset for the College or Universities. We want to inspire the students. James McInroy, USP College Executive Director shared that- “What we’ve done is… provided brand-new facilities which are modern, state-of-the-art, and conducive with the current climate and reflect the external employment environment.” One of the most significant breakthroughs came from how the people involved used VR during the design phase. “The ability of the VR technology to quickly model on ‘Site Survey’ and ‘As Built’ information greatly assisted design change, coordination of M&E services, and installation of FF&E elements,” Blundell added. Despite the project’s technical complexity, the group completed the immersive theatre fit-out in 12 weeks—a testament to Windsor Patania Architects streamlined design and integration process. Chris Murgatroyd, USP College Vice Principal Academic added, “previously, the space was drab, it was old, it was tired, it was slightly depressing to walk into.” WindsorPatania Architects’ task was to come in and build that wow factor. We decided to go for a really minimalistic look for everything, such as old tribunes, the sitting area, the monitor, and we just decided to emphasize the ceiling as the main feature of the space. Dan Pearson commented that -” the transformation was outstanding”. After seeing the complete transformation of the spaces. While Chris Murgatroyd added a compliment as “Now, when we come into the area, it’s engaging, and it’s exciting.” Steven Hendy, USP College CFO, expresses his desire to have an environment that is available to all USP College students. He is proud that the investment has paid off. When you design a beautiful space with a wow factor, you also have to think about how you get to the space from outside. So, in the case of the immersive theatre, we found the opportunity to create feature corridors, like a portal that leads you to a new dimension. As you’re walking into the new space, you feel like something beautiful is going to happen. And as you open the doors and enter, your expectations are fully satisfied as you see a stunning masterpiece bought together by a collaboration of experts with a feature of a delicate and illuminated ceiling which highlights the area. The main aspect of the T-level labs to make them successful as a design was to channel all the requests and the brief from the college itself into a functional layout. Creating Connection with The XR Lab At Eastern Education Group, the vision was clear: build a space that removes the barrier of geography and brings education closer to the real world. The result was the XR Lab—an immersive environment where students don’t just learn about their subjects, but they live them. Learners can use the XR Lab in a wide range of subjects: health, counselling, chemistry, engineering, renewables, maths, logistics, and more. “There are so many examples,” Tom Lloyd shared. Every Friday, our health and applied science students come into study using a specific piece of software that our team has created.” Staff also receive training and hands-on support. “As part of every personal development day, all staff get the chance to work and better understand the capabilities of the XR lab,” Tom Lloyd said. “The XR team are [sic] available to offer significant support to them every time they want to use the new technology.” Designing this space meant considering how students of all learning styles and abilities would interact with the technology. Ethical use, community engagement, and preferred learning styles were all factored into WindsorPatania’s thoughtful and inclusive design approach. “We wanted to create a cutting-edge space that would remove the barrier of geography and close the gap between industry and education,” said Tom Lloyd from Eastern Education Group. The impact has been transformational. “It increases engagement in our experience. It also stimulates excitement to learn and supports knowledge and skill acquisition. The data captured backs this up,” Tom Lloyd added. The immersive nature of the lab boosts student motivation, and early data trends point to better learning outcomes
An office fit-out project by Morris & Spottiswood that incorporates modular construction and circular economy approaches has delivered embodied carbon savings equivalent to driving 45,255km in a large diesel car[1] – enough to circumnavigate the globe (40,000 km at the equator). The project to relocate Morris & Spottiswood’s own Glasgow office to new premises Eastworks, in the Dalmarnock area of the city, offered a unique opportunity for the business to showcase its full end-to-end service, drawing on expertise from the wider Morris & Spottiswood Group. With a clear focus on carbon reduction, the team committed to a circular approach, which included re-purposing existing flooring finishes and sourcing second hand furniture through partner company, Inspire Spaces. The reuse of materials has reduced the project’s carbon impact by 7.591 tonnes CO2e, which is a saving of 8.73% compared to procuring new materials and products. What’s more, the use of an innovative ‘plug and play’ modular pod system has saved 1.790 tonnes CO2e compared to creating a similar build-up using traditional methods – equivalent to flying 11,701km in short haul economy flights to and from the UK. The prefabricated pods are manufactured offsite, with all necessary cabling, lighting and services already integrated within the partitions, ready to be quickly assembled onsite and simply connected to a standard power supply. Various pod configurations are available, all of which are fully demountable and can be easily reconfigured or even disassembled and moved elsewhere should the need arise. This modular design vastly speeds up project delivery, with pods assembled in a matter of days rather than weeks, while waste is reduced thanks to the precision engineering and high-quality finish that can be achieved in a factory setting. “The pods have enabled us to deliver a high-quality fit-out within much shorter timescales,” Gordon Clyne, Joint Managing Director at Morris & Spottiswood commented. “In this instance, we installed a glass-fronted boardroom, flanked by two adjoining multi-purpose office spaces. The three pods were assembled and functional within four days – a feat that would have taken several weeks if we were required to construct and connect the spaces using traditional methods. “From work commencing on site in early January, to project completion at the end of March, this project has been delivered at an accelerated pace without compromising on quality – a testament to the efficiencies, both in time and carbon savings, that can be achieved by a multi-disciplinary service provider, such as the wider Morris & Spottiswood Group.” Decarbonisation has been a firm priority throughout the project and a Lifecycle Carbon Assessment (LCA) was undertaken by crbn solutions, another business within the Morris & Spottiswood Group that specialises in carbon reduction strategies. The LCA found that the project’s upfront embodied carbon was 93kg CO2e / m2 – significantly lower than the current 2025 threshold suggested by the UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard (260kg CO2e / m2) but also comfortably achieving the 2038 target of less than 100kg CO2e / m2. Oliver Connew, Associate at crbn solutions commented: “We viewed the Dalmarnock office move as an opportunity to deliver a flagship project that demonstrates our full service offering and incorporates the latest in fit-out approaches. The carbon reductions found in the LCA are a clear indication of this and reflect the careful decision making that has gone into every aspect of the project – from purposefully choosing a building that offers long term energy security, being part of a district heat network, to considering things such as the local transport facilities to help reduce travel-related carbon.” Drawing on the expertise of the wider Morris & Spottiswood Group, the project exemplifies the unique end-to-end service offering through its portfolio of nine businesses working seamlessly together to deliver a truly turnkey solution – including Lifecycle Carbon Assessment (LCA) by crbn solutions; architectural design and building warrant applications managed by McLennan Chartered Architects, who also contributed to the interior design alongside Inspire Spaces; M&E design and installation supplied by Livingston; materials supplied by Builders Station; flooring installed by Morris & Spottiswood’s Flooring division and bespoke carpentry details provided by Morris & Spottiswood’s in-house joinery workshop. The upper floor presents the Inspire Spaces furniture showcase and hospitality area for hosting internal and external events. Utilising this space, the new office was officially opened to staff at a celebratory event on Thursday 24th April, which was attended by George Morris – Chairman of the Morris & Spottiswood Group and grandson of founder George Morris – and his mother, Janet Morris. For more information please visit: www.morrisandspottiswoodgroup.co.uk [1] Total embodied carbon savings of 9.381 tonnes CO2e, with comparison calculated using an emissions factor of 0.20729 kgCO2e/km from the latest 2024 DESNZ ghg conversion factors: www.gov.uk/government/publications/greenhouse-gas-reporting-conversion-factors-2024 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Innovative office redevelopment’s accreditation a first for Gilbert-Ash Leading construction and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has welcomed confirmation its £29million office redevelopment on Manchester’s Great Bridgewater Street has been recognised as a ‘BREEAM Outstanding’ project. BREEAM is an internationally recognised standard for sustainability and to achieve this rating, the developer, architects and engineers must think outside the box in order to create a truly sustainable project. In the UK, less than 1% of registered non-domestic buildings have achieved a BREEAM Outstanding rating. This is the first Gilbert-Ash project to have received this accreditation. Gilbert-Ash’s scope of works at the former warehouse site included the design and build redevelopment of an existing office building with the addition of two levels to form new CAT A office space over nine floors, including basement. As the company continues its relentless drive to deliver generational projects, a number of innovative approaches were taken throughout the work on Havelock House to ensure the BREEAM Outstanding rating could be achieved. From the outset, OMI Architects engaged with the BRE Green Guide and this engagement was followed through into the construction stage to ensure appropriately sourced products from the supply chain were selected. A deep retrofit strategy, included the installation of an entirely new façade system, developed as the optimum solution through the use of a whole-life carbon option appraisal, ensuring that, through the utilisation of the existing structure, the project retained 2,000 CO2e of embodied carbon, the equivalent of planting 10,250 trees. The offsite fabrication of the unitised façade reduced waste and shortened the construction time on site while the rainwater harvesting in the basement minimised the site’s water consumption. Gilbert-Ash Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson said this rating is further evidence of the company’s ability to deliver stand-out iconic projects. “At Gilbert-Ash we have delivered some of the UK and Ireland’s most iconic spaces and we are thrilled Havelock House is our first project to receive BREEAM Outstanding certification. “Innovation, collaboration and determination are at the heart of everything we do and this recognition is thoroughly deserved.” Gilbert-Ash Environmental, Social and Governance Lead, Michael Heron said everyone involved with the project is proud their efforts have been recognised in this manner. He said: “Over the years, Gilbert-Ash has garnered a plethora of BREEAM Excellent and Very Good ratings but this is a new level for us. “To achieve this BREEAM Outstanding recognition, we had to implement at least 10 minimum standards including an air quality plan, a building user guide, seasonal commissioning and the responsible sourcing of construction products. “It would not have been possible to achieve this accreditation without early engagement by OMI Architects with the Green Guide. Implementing BREEAM Outstanding will ensure resource efficiency and lower maintenance and energy costs over the structure’s lifespan.” Havelock House has been used in the UK Green Building Council document ‘Building the Case for Net Zero: Retrofitting Office Buildings’ and has achieved Wiredscore (Platinum) and NABERS 5* accreditation. 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. It is also seeking to attract the industry’s best talent to deliver landmark projects. To find out more about Gilbert-Ash visit www.gilbert-ash.com/careers Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon Interiors has completed the restoration and refurbishment of the former Granada cinema building in east London on behalf of Waltham Forest Council, delivering a transformative project that has reinvested millions into the local community. It opens as a new cultural and entertainment venue, managed by Soho Theatre Walthamstow, from May 2025. The Grade II* listed building has been transformed into a modern, 960-seat multi-purpose cultural venue, providing a vibrant space for residents, communities and businesses. The restoration, originally budgeted at £30 million, was shaped by extensive consultation with local people, ensuring it meets the needs of Walthamstow’s cultural scene and night-time economy. The theatre includes a fully restored and refurbished main auditorium, complete with new stage and seating arrangements to enhance sightlines and acoustics. There are three new bar areas, two studio spaces, a media suite and a café catering to local residents and visiting audiences. Willmott Dixon Interiors has carefully revived the historic features of the building, using an “arrested decay” approach in the main auditorium which retains the character of the space, whilst key features such as the foyer, ziggurat ceiling and main façade have been restored and repaired. The venue will house the very best UK and international comedy, theatre, cabaret and panto, alongside a lively creative engagement programme. It will support the local and night-time economy, providing jobs and a boost to existing businesses. More than £6.7 million in social and economic value has been invested by Willmott Dixon Interiors into Waltham Forest’s communities during the project’s delivery. This includes a significant commitment to locally based supply chain partners and the creation of over 60 new jobs. Staff from Willmott Dixon Interiors also donated a combined total of more than 4,000 hours dedicated to supporting unemployed people into work, offering training, apprenticeship and work experience opportunities for young people aged 16-24. Simon Wilson, operations director at Willmott Dixon Interiors, commented: “Restoring the Grade II* listed former Granada cinema has been an incredibly rewarding journey. Not only have we brought this much-loved building back to life as a world-class entertainment venue, but we have also delivered substantial social and economic value for the local community. “Our project team has successfully balanced the preservation of the building’s heritage with the need for a modern, functional space. We’re proud to have played a part in its revival and are excited to see the positive impact it will have on the local community for years to come.” Cllr Ahsan Khan, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing and regeneration said: “We are thrilled that after years of dedicated restoration the former Granada cinema building reopened its doors as Soho Theatre Walthamstow this May. The revival of this iconic venue embodies our vision of Waltham Forest as a vibrant neighbourhood where there is culture on every corner. “Our investment will create new job opportunities for local people, provide an important boost to the night-time economy, and open up the joy of creating and performing to a new generation. The long-term benefits will make a real difference for everyone that lives, works, or studies in Waltham Forest.” Courtney Cole, client relationship manager – South at Procurement Hub, said: “We’re proud to celebrate the completion of the former Granada cinema building – a stunning restoration of a 1930s cinema-turned-theatre. Thanks to the vision of the London Borough of Waltham Forest and the expertise of Willmott Dixon Interiors, the building has been transformed into a vibrant, multi-use space for the local community. It’s been a pleasure working with both parties on bringing this historic gem back to life.” The restoration of the venue, opening as Soho Theatre Walthamstow, is part of Waltham Forest Council’s London Borough of Culture 2019 legacy. Design architects, Pilbrow & Partners, fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor, Willmott Dixon Interiors, and construction architects, Bond Bryan, designed, renovated, refurbished and breathed new life into the historic building, with guidance from Historic England and expertise from the council’s conservation and project team, alongside Soho Theatre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
