CBRE, the commercial property and real estate services advisor, has won the British Council for Offices ‘Fit-Out of Workplace’ Award, Northern Region, for its design of the New Balance offices in Birchwood, Warrington.
CBRE was commissioned by New Balance to design and manage its relocation to new offices and used the opportunity to create a stimulating and efficient work environment. The fit-out transformed a conventional business park interior into a unique working environment which combines the company’s manufacturing heritage with its innovative nature.
The brief demanded a unique design which provided a solution both in practical terms – primarily storage, display and handling of thousands of product items – and the company’s aspiration for a new type of work environment, which amongst other factors, would help to instil a feeling of pride in the staff.
The new offices contain four large showrooms, product development spaces and meeting spaces, as well as a cafeteria and gym. The project was completed successfully within a very fast timescale and on budget, and has provided a high degree of staff satisfaction and increased workplace effectiveness.
Reclaimed materials such as bricks, sports hall flooring, and oak boards, as well as individually-selected salvaged period furniture were used throughout, adapted to suit the themes of certain rooms. The desk system was also purpose-designed and manufactured locally using reclaimed oak.
Marzia Panizzutti, CBRE Associate Director, said: “This New Balance project presented us with a fantastic opportunity to create an environment which excites and engages people, whilst taking a tremendous leap forward from a design perspective. To have found a solution which delivered on both aspects, and for this to be recognised by the BCO, is a result of which to be proud.”
Clare Lunt, New Balance EMEA HR Manager said: “The new office perfectly represents what New Balance stands for as an organisation. We have had fantastic feedback from all who have spent time at the new location, which is a testament to the teams from both CBRE and New Balance who worked on the project. The result is an inspiring working environment for staff and a lasting experience for all clients, customers and staff to take away with them.”