The new Shrewsbury Public Sector Hub provides a modern, flexible office space with commercial opportunities in a landscaped setting just south of Shrewsbury Town Centre. Originally designed by Ralph Crowe and built in 1964, the refurbishment was designed to respectfully accentuate the landmark column which sits to the south of building, creating a civic purpose and presence.
Design Approach
Working with Shropshire Councils’ Property and asset teams and alongside Realestatesworks, HLM were tasked with the refurbishment of the 1960’s HQ Civic to improve public perception, customer experience and sense of civic pride whilst improving the working environment for staff.
HLM’s design approach provided a sympathetic refurbishment that improved accessibility and created a modern office environment, whilst fostering the civic nature and purpose of the original design and significantly improving the quality of the internal workplace environment and building performance.
The tangible benefits that the refurbishment created include an improved working environment for staff, leading to efficiencies through flexible and agile working and more integrated working between teams, as well as reductions in staff absence rates. It also reduced running costs, through significant energy savings and reduced maintenance costs.
The refurbishment also achieved the rationalisation of public estate to generate further letting and disposal opportunities, reducing overall running costs and maintenance liabilities as well as rental income from third parties and opportunities for some shared facilities.
