Redbridge completes chambers refurb

St John's Buildings Barristers' Chambers in Manchester city centre have undergone a £500,000 improvement carried out by Redbridge Interiors.

The refurbishment of three early 19th Century Grade 2-listed buildings at 24a to 28 St John's Street took 33 weeks and involved gaining planning approval, interior design, spatial planning, new electrical and plumbing systems and IT infrastructure installation.

In 2002, 28 and 26 St John Street merged with 24a St John Street and the three buildings were knocked into one. The result was a building that had no consistency in its design, finishes, furniture and poor utilisation of space. The decision was taken to fully refurbish the buildings so that they were in keeping with its other regional chambers and conveyed the level of service offered.

Chris Ronan, chief clerk, said: "St John's Buildings is a modern, innovative and creative Chambers and as such we felt our impressive Georgian buildings could benefit from a refurbishment programme which is in keeping with our high standards and service offering. Redbridge's credentials speak for themselves, but they understand our requirements explicitly having previously refurbished our Preston and Chester Chambers, providing the right ambience, durability and value for money. The project was delivered on time, to budget and importantly did not disrupt our work as Redbridge's flexible approach enabled them to work around us."

Redbridge Interiors had previously worked on both the St John's Buildings' Chester and Preston chambers and negotiated the contract for the Manchester project.