JV reveals rebrand for overhauled St James Business Centre
Wire Regeneration, the joint venture between Warrington Council and developer Langtree, has renamed the 80,000 sq ft office hub as The Causeway, with completion of works set for autumn.
The business centre is home to 40 companies and 350 staff, and is undergoing a refurbishment costing around £5m.
Seven Architects is the designer, with GWB Consultants working as project manager. Atkins Construction is overseeing the refurbishment.
The new name and brand identity have been revealed to tenants in advance to give them time to amend marketing materials and stationery.
Being renamed as The Causeway will, said the partners, reflect the building’s modernity as well as its long-standing roots in Wilderspool, bringing “the brand in line with the superb new environment we have created,” in the words of Jayne Furnival, Langtree’s executive director – property.
Furnival continued: “We wanted to bring the building’s brand and identity up to date, as we have with its facilities and services.
“The Causeway is home to a wide range of technology-driven businesses that are re-shaping the Warrington economy and our investment will ensure it remains a key asset for the town as it seeks to attract and nurture more businesses.”
The building, where 85% of lettable space is occupied, offers a range of serviced, conventional and virtual office space and its refurbishment will see the launch of new meeting rooms, co-working space and a new wi-fi enabled cafe that will reinforce its appeal to ‘nomad’ workers.
Steve Park, executive director of place at the council, said: “The Causeway will offer the most up-to-date flexible and fixed workspace in Warrington and our investment secures its position whilst underpinning our investment in the Southern Gateway.”
Among other changes include two refurbished atria for informal meetings, networking and events; a new reception area and the launch of a concierge service to maximise client service and visitors’ welcome experience.
The Southern Gateway masterplan envisages a mix of new offices and workspace, together with homes, retail and leisure facilities along the southern bank of the Mersey, opening up what was once an inaccessible part of the town.
Wire Regeneration recently announced the sale of the neighbouring Bevan Mews site to housebuilder Edwards Homes and has cleared the former bus depot adjacent to The Causeway, ready for development.
