office interiors uk, retail mezzanine floors, office refurbishment, warehouse storage, factory refit uk

How do you undertake a complete refurbishment at the Headquarters of a major business - and not move a single person from the office complex?

That was the dilemma facing Mothercare when the famous company decided that it needed a complete interior refurbishment that better reflected its brand identity.

Alan Rouse, Facilities Manager, at the Watford building, led the project for Mothercare - but faced an immediate problem. How to complete the task with minimal disruption to the workforce of 350?

With the help from Romsey-based space solutions specialists Spaceway, a detailed space planning exercise was undertaken - and 'holding area' created which could house entire departments while their areas were transformed.

Spaceway was commissioned to transform the entire internal space with new partitioning, floor coverings, ceilings and wall coverings. The company also came up with new storage solutions and desking arrangements. A complete new reception area was created, along with new restaurant and directors' suite.

"This was a daunting task", says Alan Rouse, "and it was essential that we continued to function as a business while all the activity was going on. Hand-over dates had to be met".

The project was meticulously planned over a 6-month period. Each department was consulted as their desking and storage configuration and general layout. A Heads of Department team maintained close liaison throughout with Spaceway's Contracts Director Roy Martin and the site manager.

It was agreed that the common areas - the reception and restaurant - would be worked on while temporary arrangements were made for staff.

"The reception area was created to better reflect the corporate style of Mothercare, while at the same time creating some functional improvements", says Roy Martin.

"The ceiling was replaced, the brick-faced walls covered, and a low level mezzanine installed to create ramped access. New reception furniture and lighting completed what is now a stunning welcome area".

The restaurant also called for creative thinking. The area was unpopular with staff and as such was offering a poor return on the space investment.

"The solution was to reconfigure the entire space and create stylish areas that would bring staff together", says Spaceway Managing Director Malcolm Jeary.

In came a solid wood floor and a glass brick wall to create a coffee bar in place of vending machines. New furniture, better lighting and a more imaginative layout made the restaurant popular not only at meal times but for meetings.

Spaceway also created an entirely new Directors' Suite, completely gutting one floor and creating new offices with glass partitioning.

The project is now complete and there has been wide acclaim for the role of Spaceway and of Alan Rouse - so much so that the Facilities Manager has been named the Mothercare Employee of the Year.

www.spaceway.co.uk

Ends

Media enquiries to:
Philip Colley, Harvest
Tel: 023 9244 9655

Note to Editors:

Spaceway is one of the leading providers of integrated interior space solutions for private sector businesses and public organisations.

The company recognises that the effective and efficient use of space is a critical success factor for businesses, contributing directly not only to competitiveness but also to the morale and motivation of a workforce.

Through the company's unique partnering approach, Spaceway aims to co-develop, design and implement the most innovative yet cost effective solution for each project regardless of its size. Whether it's a total redesign, or a need to increase the amount of usable space in a particular area, Spaceway has the experience and expertise to ensure the promised design concept is translated into reality - on time, to budget and with minimal disruption to business operations.

July, 2002 CHILD'S PLAY FOR SPACEWAY?
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How do you undertake a complete refurbishment at the Headquarters of a major business - and not move a single person from the office complex? That was the dilemma facing Mothercare when the famous company decided that it needed a complete interior refurbishment that better reflected its brand identity. Alan Rouse, Facilities Manager, at the Watford building, led the project for Mothercare - but faced an immediate problem. How to complete the task with minimal disruption to the workforce of 350? With the help from Romsey-based space solutions specialists Spaceway, a detailed space planning exercise was undertaken - and 'holding area' created which could house entire departments while their areas were transformed. Spaceway was commissioned to transform the entire internal space with new partitioning, floor coverings, ceilings and wall coverings. The company also came up with new storage solutions and desking arrangements. A complete new reception area was created, along with new restaurant and directors' suite. "This was a daunting task", says Alan Rouse, "and it was essential that we continued to function as a business while all the activity was going on. Hand-over dates had to be met". The project was meticulously planned over a 6-month period. Each department was consulted as their desking and storage configuration and general layout. A Heads of Department team maintained close liaison throughout with Spaceway's Contracts Director Roy Martin and the site manager. It was agreed that the common areas - the reception and restaurant - would be worked on while temporary arrangements were made for staff. "The reception area was created to better reflect the corporate style of Mothercare, while at the same time creating some functional improvements", says Roy Martin. "The ceiling was replaced, the brick-faced walls covered, and a low level mezzanine installed to create ramped access. New reception furniture and lighting completed what is now a stunning welcome area". The restaurant also called for creative thinking. The area was unpopular with staff and as such was offering a poor return on the space investment. "The solution was to reconfigure the entire space and create stylish areas that would bring staff together", says Spaceway Managing Director Malcolm Jeary. In came a solid wood floor and a glass brick wall to create a coffee bar in place of vending machines. New furniture, better lighting and a more imaginative layout made the restaurant popular not only at meal times but for meetings. Spaceway also created an entirely new Directors' Suite, completely gutting one floor and creating new offices with glass partitioning. The project is now complete and there has been wide acclaim for the role of Spaceway and of Alan Rouse - so much so that the Facilities Manager has been named the Mothercare Employee of the Year. www.spaceway.co.uk Ends Media enquiries to: Philip Colley, Harvest Tel: 023 9244 9655 Note to Editors: Spaceway is one of the leading providers of integrated interior space solutions for private sector businesses and public organisations. The company recognises that the effective and efficient use of space is a critical success factor for businesses, contributing directly not only to competitiveness but also to the morale and motivation of a workforce. Through the company's unique partnering approach, Spaceway aims to co-develop, design and implement the most innovative yet cost effective solution for each project regardless of its size. Whether it's a total redesign, or a need to increase the amount of usable space in a particular area, Spaceway has the experience and expertise to ensure the promised design concept is translated into reality - on time, to budget and with minimal disruption to business operations.