Calderpeel starts studio overhaul
Calderpeel Architects has acquired its headquarters on Altrincham’s Market Street and has started work on a refurbishment of the property as part of plans to increase its visibility in the town.
Calderpeel, which has 26 staff, currently occupies an office on the first floor of the 10,000 sq ft, three-storey building, and the offices are accessed from the rear, giving the building a relatively blank frontage to Church Street, a main route to the town.
As part of the redevelopment, Calderpeel will move to a fully-refurbished ground floor space, increasing its occupation by 50% and adding a shop front at street level. Screens will be used to display Calderpeel’s work, and the space will also be used for public exhibitions.
The building was acquired from West Bromwich Building Society.
The Drawing Room, the name for the new office, represents a six-figure investment by Calderpeel, and will include an improved design studio, meeting rooms and relaxation areas.
Calderpeel has appointed Altrincham-based Consensus Property as the main contractor on the project. Work on the project is expected to take two months.
Four other businesses currently occupy the building with a fifth tenant to move in once works are complete, meaning the property will be fully-let.
Ewen Miller, managing director of Calderpeel, said: “This project will significantly improve the building we’ve called home for the last 16 years. It will provide us with an inspirational space that matches our ambitions as a forward-thinking architecture and design practice.
“It will offer a great working environment for our people, but also for our clients to visit and spend time with us. Securing the future of the building and bringing back a visual connection to the street scene with a high-quality frontage will also benefit Altrincham.”
Andrew Lightfoot, director of Calderpeel Architects, added: “This building is in a conservation area so we’ve been working closely with the council on a design that continues the progression of shopfronts along the street. They have the confidence to let us do something a bit different as they trust Calderpeel’s work. The space will be client-fronting and is also an improvement for our own staff, giving them a full studio experience.”
