A major fit-out project to create state-of-the-art office space for an international law firm is nearing completion.
The project is taking place at 65 Fleet Street and involves the complete redesign of four floors of office space. The project is being conducted for Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP and once complete will vastly modernise and improve existing facilities.
The project comprises the installation of new meeting rooms, four new dining areas, a number of client meeting spaces and a fully stocked restaurant. A health suite created especially for staff will include a doctor’s surgery, dentist suite and treatment rooms, along with a fully equipped gym and associated changing rooms.
Two new internal staircases are also being fitted, whilst a lobby and reception will benefit from additional improvements. All of the work has been implemented by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP in order to provide staff with an excellent working environment.
Work on the project is currently being undertaken to complete meeting rooms on the fifth floor, whilst a few final touches are also being made to the health suite. The health suite will include a contemplation room and parent & baby room, as well as dedicated video conferencing rooms featuring high-tech sound proofing.
Work began on the Fleet Street site in August 2011. Specialist refurbishment and fit-out contractor Overbury Plc is the main contractor for the project and Tp Bennett is the architect. Gardiner & Theobald is the project manager and the mechanical and electrical consultant is Chapman Bathurst.
The main works on the project have centred on the fit-out of meeting rooms, which will be used by both staff and clients. These are very important work spaces within the building and will therefore feature high quality finishes and state-of-the-art technology including microphones and desk top connections for laptops and phones. The meeting rooms also include flatscreen LED televisions and new furniture and are carpeted throughout. The circulation space benefits from stone floor finishes and creative feature ceilings.
Another notable feature of the building is the installation of the brand new restaurant, which is installed within the central atrium. The restaurant will create a lively meeting area for staff and has been designed to help increase cross communication between the different departments of the building.
On the sixth floor of the building a new staircase has been installed to improve access between Levels 5 and 6. Two new lifts have also been installed and will transport food from the pantry through to the dining areas.
A large part of the scheme has involved the opening up of sections of the building in order to create a sense of space. Each of these areas will be fully furnished and the surrounding walls will feature a vibrant colour scheme.
Additional features of the Fleet Street site include coved ceilings, copper feature lights, wall decorations and plants. Comfortable seating – in a range of shapes, sizes and colours – is also dotted around the building and has created an interesting and functional aspect to the interior design.
An extensive yet understated lighting scheme is also being used throughout the building, whilst a brand new glazed screen entrance and refurbished revolving door has been installed at the main entrance. Upon entry into the building clients will also notice the use of walnut and oak panelling which stretches throughout the reception.
Exterior work on the project has been kept to a minimum but has included the installation of a glazed facade to the front reception in order to create a stunning focal point.
Throughout the duration of the works Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP has continued to operate from the building in order to provide legal services to their clients. In order to work around the operational hours of the practice, construction teams organised some of the more extensive operations to take place outside of working hours.
Overbury Plc Project Manager, Graham Holland, said:
“As with most office fit-out projects in London, the usual noise restrictions apply – which means that we have to be mindful of the building’s occupants and its neighbours. However we quickly realised that lawyers work all hours of the day, which meant we suddenly had added challenges to consider.
“We have had to keep an open line of communication with the practice throughout the fit-out works and at times completing work has been a bit tricky. However, we have made plans to allow for this and it’s not caused too many problems.
“We continue to liaise with everyone as best as possible so that we are not disrupting anyone at work and that has helped us complete each task to the best of our ability.”
Graham Holland added:
“With the Fleet Street project close to completion, we’ve already started to get some feedback from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP and I’m pleased to say that they are delighted with the quality of the fit-out. This work has transformed the facilities of the business and once it is completed the new features of the building will be a great benefit to staff.
“Due to the working restrictions and the extensive nature of the works this hasn’t always been an easy job but we have managed to keep disruptions to a minimum and on the whole this project has been a huge success.
“For Overbury Plc it is extremely important to be involved with a project of this size and nature and it will no doubt enhance our reputation for working in restricted environments. The level of quality that we’ve achieved with the transformation of this building is amazing and it’s also a good indication of how well Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP treats their staff.”
The fit-out project at 65 Fleet Street is due to reach completion in early July 2012.
Overbury Plc
Overbury Plc is a specialist office refurbishment and commercial fit-out contractor. The company completes projects across a variety of industries – including office, retail, leisure, technology and education – with projects ranging in value from a few thousand pounds up to £100 million.
Over the past ten years Overbury Plc has completed more than 60 million square feet of office fit-out works. Previous projects have included BBC MediaCity Salford, Guardian News & Media London and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) Southampton.
With offices in Birmingham, Bracknell, Manchester, Leeds and London, Overbury Plc can provide services to clients anywhere in the UK. The company always strive to ensure that projects meet the highest levels of quality and will undertake works to meet the needs of its clients.
As part of its continued commitment to provide the best possible service, Overbury Plc has also extended its working practices outside of the UK. In September 2011 Overbury Plc formed its first partnership with Australian fit-out and refurbishment specialist, ISIS.