Bringing three organisations together

We created a new business services hub in an office building on the Park Farm Industrial Estate in Wellingborough for the Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, Northamptonshire Police and the Office of the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner. The newly refurbished two-storey building now accommodates 500 staff across the three organisations.

Project description

The main vision of the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner was to have a shared building in which all three organisations could work together. To turn this vision into a reality we designed and constructed one coherent space large enough to unite the organisations without compromising on their individual business needs.

An office fit out with something for everyone

Everyone works differently, so we designed the new office to reflect the diversity of each department’s working styles. On the ground floor we created a large, open reception leading on to the central atrium furnished with long bench tables, hot-desking areas, conference rooms and a communal refreshment point. On the first floor, however, we set out to create more intimate working areas by installing smaller meeting rooms and focus pods. This diversity in workspace throughout the building allows staff to switch between spontaneous, free-flowing collaboration and more private, secluded modes of working.

Wellbeing rooms for a well-earned break

Due to the intense work of the police and fire rescue teams, we realised how important it was for staff to have separate spaces dedicated to relaxation and reflection. Along with new tea points and kitchenettes, we installed a series of wellbeing rooms to provide a quiet and secluded space for staff to disconnect and unwind. We also installed a small gym with a locker room and shower facilities to support the police and fire officers’ continuous fitness needs. The entire project was delivered with mental wellbeing in mind. Feature lighting, casual break-out zones, tactile finishes, and an abundance of natural light serve to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere throughout the building .

A cost effective and sustainable office fit out

In order to get the most out of the project we repurposed several existing structures and materials: the refreshments bar on the ground floor was cleaned and resurfaced and thousands of square feet of barely worn carpet tiles were taken up and reused throughout the new office and across the other police force and fire estates. Similarly, we relocated heritage pieces, and had a furniture amnesty allowing staff to take task chairs and storage elements for home offices to support the Covid changes. This recycling ethos meant we could deliver the project within the client’s budget and dramatically reduce wastage.

An office to stand the test of time

All materials used in the project were specially selected with resilience and longevity in mind. It was crucial that the refurbished building could keep up with numerous members of staff and their ever-changing lives. We installed laminate flooring and worktops, durable furniture and hard-wearing upholstery which will comfortably accommodate years of use. Colours and textures were kept to a neutral design and palette to ensure that any damaged furnishings could be easily replaced, and that no one organisation's colours were prioritised, to provide an equal experience for all.

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