Size
32,000 sq ft
Location
Lichfield
Activity
Consumer Goods
Duration
48 weeks
Our office refurbishment of Central Co-op’s new 32,000 sq ft Lichfield support centre not only secures the organisation’s future in the city but delivers a modern, energy efficient asset that enhances its property portfolio too.
With an inclusive design that’s been shaped by a partnership with Central Co-op colleagues, this is an office that works on every one of its three levels.
The result is a space that promotes collaboration among teams and provides individuals with autonomy in how and where they work.
Central Co-operative is one of the largest independent retail co-operative societies in the UK, with a heritage stretching back over 175 years.
It chose to relocate to Queen Street in the City Centre from existing premises on nearby Eastern Avenue, and appointed Office Principles North to undertake an initial workplace consultancy project prior to commencing its office refurbishment.
Office Principles North was chosen to deliver the combined CAT A and CAT B refurbishment of the old Police Mutual building, formally known as Alexandra House following a competitive tendering process.
Central Co-op’s vision was to create a destination that would not only attract people back to the workplace, but would provide 12,460 sq ft of modern, lettable office space too.
Our task would include a full strip out of the building and delivery of essential works - most notably replacing an existing flat roof - to ensure compliance with the latest building regulations.
Sustainability was highlighted as a key theme of the refurbishment, in line with Central Co-op’s purpose of “creating a sustainable Society for all”. These values would drive decisions around everything from the reuse of materials, to measures that enhanced the building’s energy efficiency.
The completed building, now renamed Central House, delivers a hybrid workplace destination over three floors.
Its open plan office design houses a variety of adaptable work settings that promote collaboration among teams and allow individuals the autonomy to work in ways which best suit their needs.
Features include bespoke event spaces, themed meeting rooms and areas for focused activities. A breakfast bar and dining area doubles as social and entertainment space, while an outdoor terrace on the building’s third floor caters for meetings and events.
We have reused materials wherever possible - including reupholstering c.80% of existing office furniture - while there is new, sustainable lighting and external landscaping.
Central Co-op’s investment in the infrastructure of the building included necessary roofworks, brickwork and new windows, while we have also successfully improved the building’s EPC rating to ‘A’.
We’re delighted to have moved into our new support centre on Queen Street. The project has not been without its challenges, but together the teams at Central Co-op and Office Principles have created the perfect space for our colleagues and tenants to work from. With sustainability being so core to our purpose, we couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved, with a modern, light and airy space from which we can work together with purpose to be at our very best for members and customers. Not only have we provided modern, convenient spaces from which to work collaboratively with colleagues, we've also created a place where we can proudly host our events such as our annual members meetings.
It has been a huge pleasure to work in partnership with Central Co-op to deliver its new Lichfield support centre. Together, we’ve created a modern, sustainable workplace that embodies the organisation’s culture and values and cements its place in the heart of the local community. The design has been shaped by Co-op colleagues and succeeds in fusing functional and creative spaces that promote both hybrid and collaborative ways of working. The project has undoubtedly enhanced Central Co-op’s existing property portfolio.