Ellis Williams relocates HQ to Sci-Tech Daresbury

After 27 years in Preston Brook, the architecture practice is moving its Cheshire studio to Vanguard House at the Halton science and innovation campus.

Ellis Williams Architects is leaving Wellfield, designed by previous managing director Jim Buxton, and taking 2,500 sq ft at Sci-Tech Daresbury two miles away.

The design firm has signed a five-year lease on its new office within the 36,000 sq ft Vanguard House, which will be home to 38 staff.

Wellfield is up for sale, with OBI appointed to market the property.

Neil Adshead, managing director at Ellis Williams, said: “Relocating to Sci-Tech Daresbury marks an exciting new chapter for our headquarters and Cheshire studio.

“This move reflects the strength and growth of our regional team and gives us the environment to collaborate, innovate, and welcome our clients in a space that matches our ambition.”

Ellis Williams said the move aligns with the company’s ambition to explore scientific research design and its work in the life sciences and education sectors.

Adshead added: “It also provides our people with the facilities and surroundings to do their best work and reflects who we are as a practice.”

John Leake, business growth director at Sci-Tech Daresbury – a joint venture between Langtree, Halton Council, and the Science and Technology Facilities Council – said: “It is a pleasure to welcome Ellis Williams to Sci-Tech Daresbury.

“The campus has innovation and collaboration as two of its important pillars that has helped drive our growth over nearly 20 years. These attributes are clearly at the heart of who Ellis Williams are, and how they do business.”

Alker Ball Healds Solicitors acted on behalf of Sci‑Tech, while Ellis Williams represented themselves in-house throughout the transaction.