A STUNNING transformation project that saw a former wool factory building in Darlington turned into a modern office space is in the running for a top award.
Interserve Construction Limited carried out the conversion of the 42,000ft2 warehouse at Lingfield Point in Darlington to create a centre of excellence – now home to 500 Capita employees.
The project has now been shortlisted in two categories at the RICS Awards 2016 – Building Conservation and Commercial.
The refit – carried out between February and October 2015 at a cost of £3.8m – saw the former industrial space recycled into an open plan environment with access flooring and energy efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems.
Eddie Humphries, Lingfield Point estates manager, said: “The transformation of existing warehousing space has created one of the best working environments in the North East and is further evidence of Lingfield Point’s commitment to sustainable development and design.
“The key to the success of this latest project was to ensure as much of the existing building remained and anything new added to what was already there.
“By changing the use from a warehouse into an open plan office space and recycling as much of the building as possible we created a vibrant and creative working environment.
“The space benefits from inspired design and a modern open layout and has allowed us to continue the transformation of Lingfield Point with the regeneration of this huge area from disused factory buildings to high spec, high-quality office space.
“Providing the very best level of service and delivery to our growing business community is paramount at Lingfield Point – that’s evident in the site’s unbeatable accessibility, great online connectivity and 24 hour concierge and security service.”
Darren Hurst, senior quantity surveyor at Interserve Construction Limited, said: “We’re thrilled the project has been shortlisted in two categories – it’s fantastic news for all involved.
“One of our key aims for this project was to ensure client satisfaction, neighbouring business satisfaction and end user satisfaction, which was achieved.
“The existing warehouse now has a new lease of life which will remain in place for many years and through good practice we were able to divert 1,356 tonnes away from landfill and all materials have been reused or recycled elsewhere.“
Judges for the RICS Awards visited Lingfield Point this week and winners will be announced on April 15.
Being shortlisted for the RICS Awards is another feather in the commercial cap for Lingfield Point, whose customer service was singled out as an example of best practice in a national report issued by the British Council for Offices (BCO).
The site’s Memphis Building, which houses the Student Loans Company, was awarded the BCO Best Recycled Office Space in the UK and the BCO Test of Time award.
*For further information go to www.lingfield point.co.uk