As the supply of Grade A office space in the North’s key cities runs low, competition is intensifying in the Grade B+ market. Increasingly, landlords are taking a step back to consider how refurbishments and other improvements can really make their Grade B+ space stand out, which in turn is driving innovation in office design.

One of the most notable design trends to emerge in the last couple of years is the complete transformation of reception areas. Once simply an entrance and waiting area, many are now home to a whole host of ‘wow-factor’ ancillary facilities. Across Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool we have seen standard receptions completely remodelled and reconstructed to include concierge-style welcome desks similar to those at boutique hotels as well as coffee shops, informal meeting areas, cycle hubs, fitness studios and event space which are all designed to create a community feel. Such changes have been very well-received by tenants and can totally reposition a building in the local office market.

At the Grade II* listed Churchgate & Lee Buildings (pictured above) in Manchester, Savills managed the delivery of a new reception on behalf of the landlord Helical. The creative design picks up on the building’s heritage as a textile warehouse. Features include a café with an alcohol licence for evening events, multiple break-out seating options for individual and group working or socialising, plus improved links to the courtyard. Seven lettings totalling 76,000 sq ft have been secured since the refurbishment was completed, with tenants citing the community facilities as a significant factor in their decision.

Similar schemes project managed by Savills include Exchange Station in Liverpool, which turned an underused atrium, once a station platform, into the community hub for the building. In Birmingham, we extended the reception at Lombard House into a vacant retail unit which now provides a free drinks facility for tenants.

We are already involved with a number of other reception projects which are at various stages of the design process, including Bridgewater House and Sunlight House in Manchester and therefore believe this trend is set to continue. Looking ahead, tenants are increasingly likely to choose buildings that have the benefit of this non-traditional space, allow down time away from desks and promote collaborative and informal co-working. All of these factors help to create a community feel within a building and contribute to increased employee well being and retention.

Further information

Contact Savills Building & Project Consultancy