Bardsley’s Dukinfield HQ in line for revamp

Print solutions group Office Tech Holdings bought the building for £1.4m following the contractor’s collapse and is now planning to spend £600,000 converting it into a coworking hub. 

The £2m investment in the 18,000 sq ft former Bardsley headquarters is aimed at providing an alternative to the city centre office, offering the chance for companies to downsize and adopt a more flexible approach to working, according to Office Tech chief executive Jason Dixon. 

“The pandemic has fundamentally changed how, when and where we work, and we know that not everyone is working from home as productively as they could,” Dixon said.  

“Our new shared office space concept will provide workspace for those many regional businesses that are switching to a hybrid work model and cutting down on lengthy commutes and expensive parking, as well as smaller businesses that want to enjoy working in a more professional and secure environment.” 

Tameside businessman Jason Dixon bought the building for £1.4m

Located on Dukinfield’s Globe Industrial Park, the office is to feature on-site parking and be equipped with super-fast Wi-Fi and broadband. 

Conference space, a members bar, a bistro, and a coffee shop are also proposed for the building, which could accommodate up to 600 workers. 

The office, due to launch in October, is Office Tech’s first workspace venture and will be operated under the company’s Office Tech and Space brand. 

Office Tech has lined up its first tenant for the Dukinfield hub; Walls Refrigeration Units will relocate its 16-strong team from its current base at Trafford Park. 

“Dukinfield is a brilliant place for us to start this journey as it’s so close to my roots,” said Tameside-born Dixon. 

“We will pioneer this tech and office vision from Tameside with pride. We can’t wait to get started.” 

In the next two years, the business plans to target fringe areas of other cities in the UK including Liverpool, Birmingham, Newcastle, Leeds and Sheffield. 

Bardsley appointed administrators in December 2019, making 200 staff redundant.