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ADT Workplace completed an office refurbishment for Capita in Manchester’s historic Tootal Buildings.
The 65,500 sq.ft workspace was created to address a consolidation need and form a Northern hub for Capita businesses.
Capita is the UK’s largest business process outsourcing and professional services company. Therefore, the project required a workplace that could support a major business operation. It also needed to reflect Capita’s brand, values and future requirements.
The project was delivered across Lee House and Broadhurst, formerly known as Churchgate and Lee House. These interlinked buildings are Grade II listed and have undergone significant refurbishment in recent years. Capita was already a tenant in Churchgate, now named Broadhurst. As a result, the business chose to occupy space across both buildings rather than relocate.
Creating a Northern Hub for Capita
The Tootal Buildings offered Capita a strong central location in Manchester. The buildings provide access to local transport links, as well as the city’s bars, cafes and shops. This made the location well suited to a major workplace consolidation project.
ADT Workplace had already worked on the CAT A refurbishment programme for the wider Tootal Buildings. Because of this, Capita selected ADT Workplace to deliver the CAT A, B and C refurbishment of its new office. This approach also supported both time and cost savings.
Working closely with Atelier Heritage, ADT Workplace combined its CAT A designs for the wider building with Capita’s workplace requirements. We acted as designer and contractor for the project. As a result, we were able to manage both the creative design and practical delivery process.
Refurbishing a Listed Property
Because the Tootal Buildings are Grade II listed, careful consideration was required throughout the project. ADT Workplace fully exposed the original architecture within the space. We also installed a new state-of-the-art mechanical and lighting system.
However, any work that involved changes to the original listed fabric of the property needed careful management. Therefore, additional consent was secured where required. This helped protect the character of the building while allowing the workspace to meet Capita’s needs.
The finished workplace balances original architectural features with contemporary office design. As a result, the space feels professional, practical and connected to the building’s heritage.
A Fast Track Workplace Refurbishment
The Capita office refurbishment was delivered across 50 weeks and five phases. Due to the fast track nature of the project, the team had to work dynamically. This helped ensure the project was delivered within the required timeframe.
During the programme, changes were also needed to support a brand refresh. These included amendments to the colour scheme and signage. Therefore, the team responded quickly and efficiently to keep the project moving.
Despite the scale of the refurbishment, ADT Workplace delivered a workplace that matched Capita’s vision. The project also required close coordination between the creative team and the delivery team.
A Professional and Welcoming Workplace
The aim was to create a professional workplace that reflected Capita’s brand and values. However, it also needed to provide a relaxed and welcoming environment for colleagues and visitors.
The new space includes high specification contemporary office space. It maximises the large floorplates and provides a predominantly open plan, agile workspace. In addition, the layout includes areas for collaboration and informal meetings.
By breaking through structural walls between Lee House and Broadhurst, ADT Workplace combined floors across both buildings. This created an impressive new reception area. The reception also includes a large social space and meeting village.
The meeting village features 24 meeting rooms of various sizes. In addition, the workplace includes a cafe, which supports a more relaxed and flexible office environment.
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Mary Collins, head of projects at Capita, said:
“It was clear ADT Workplace had the skills and experience required to deliver the office we needed while working within the constraints of refurbing a listed property. The creative team presented a refreshing design which captured the brief and the vision we had for the space perfectly, which the delivery team then executed on time and on budget – despite the implications of lockdown – what more could we ask for! Our colleagues working in Manchester are delighted with their new workplace and I would have no hesitation in recommending ADT Workplace.”
Delivering a Northern Hub for Capita
The completed Capita office refurbishment created a Northern hub for the business in Manchester. It brought together space across Lee House and Broadhurst, while respecting the character of the Grade II listed Tootal Buildings.
Through careful design, phased delivery and close coordination, ADT Workplace helped Capita create a workplace that supports agile working, collaboration and informal meetings. The result is a professional, welcoming and contemporary office within one of Manchester’s historic commercial buildings.
Planning an Office Refurbishment?
If you are planning an office refurbishment, relocation or consolidation project, ADT Workplace can help you shape a workplace that supports your people and your business.
Get in touch with our team to discuss your next project.