Project SPACE reaches final frontier

Property Tectonics (pt) has completed Britannia’s SPACE project - a multi-million pound landmark renovation programme of the mutual’s head office location.

Britannia, the UK’s second largest mutual with almost three million members and a network of 254 branches - kick started SPACE in 2005 to optimise available space at the site while creating a modern, inspiring working environment which reinforced the company’s cultural values.

The project involved a complete remodelling and refurbishment of the two existing head office buildings, Newton House and Britannia House.

Building on its long-standing relationship with Britannia, pt was asked to consult on the project, preparing the master plan for the scheme and project managing the entire programme of works.

The scheme - which followed a major period of staff consultation - has provided new break-out areas to encourage better interaction, improved entrances and security, modern office suites, café-style dining facilities and new conference facilities.

But the centerpiece of the scheme is the new atrium at Newton House, previously an outdoor courtyard area.

Working closely with Britannia’s project team and contractor Styles & Wood, pt specified a transparent membrane roof, which allows natural light to flood the area, while the exterior of the building was re-clad in high performance acoustic-rated material.

Original first-floor verandas have been incorporated into the scheme, with a new staircase installed to provide access to a mezzanine level, with more private meeting areas.

Michelle Brough, Project Analyst at Britannia, said: "Part of Britannia's strategy is to be a great place to work, grow and develop. The feedback from employees has been fantastic. We’ve heard words like ‘re-energised’, ‘creative’ and ‘interaction’, which is precisely the kind of impact we wanted the space to have."

The second aspect of the project has included the complete refurbishment of the Britannia House office, with almost all business support functions being re-desked. New lighting, ceilings and glazed partitions have been included in office areas as well as new electric services, data cabling, heating and air-conditioning.

Other improvements include the creation of a multi-purpose Hub, providing conference facilities for up to 84 people plus a breakout area, new and refurbished meeting rooms and improvements to the catering facilities.

Summing up pt’s role on SPACE, pt’s associate director Ian Filkins, said: "We’ve been there for Britannia to handle any and every request - from the location of notice boards and office equipment through to more complex requirements like mechanical and engineering design. It’s a nice role to have with a client - you genuinely feel like you’re a partner rather than a typical supplier."

"Personally, being involved in a major refurbishment project like this has been a great experience but working with Britannia staff has been superb; everyone has worked well as a team and shown tremendous dedication and enthusiasm - which has been wonderful."

pt's managing director Trevor Mole said: "We have built a relationship of trust with Britannia through our long standing framework agreement and previous work on its branch refurbishment project and helpdesk facility. This is the largest single project they’ve asked us to handle, which demonstrates their faith in our ability to deliver."

Another significant outcome of the SPACE project has been the reduced environmental impact, with the scheme designed to improve efficiency by 20% and reduce C02 emissions.

Andy Adams, Project Manager at Britannia, said: "Britannia has been based in Leek for the past 150 years. While the Society has grown dramatically since it was founded in 1856, this latest project demonstrates the Society's commitment to remaining in the town and meeting our responsibilities to employees, customers, the local community and the environment."

"pt has been a critical partner in getting us to where we are today. They have taken our vision and developed a landmark scheme that we believe will help us to deliver our objectives for the future. More importantly, they have the skills and expertise to ensure the project meets all the necessary regulations, timescales and budgets, working seamlessly with our own internal teams."