Providing a stimulating yet relaxing workplace can be one of the best ways for an employer to retain their staff, and this has been recognised by a recent awards ceremony by the British Council. The London winners will go forward to the British Council’s ‘Best of the Best’ awards. The regional categories include Midlands and East Anglia, Scotland, London and South East and North of England/North Wales/Northern Ireland.
The awards took the form of several categories, including Best Refurbished/Recycled Workplace, Best Fit Out of a Workplace, and Best Corporate Workplace.
Design and use of space, and interaction with the local community were all factors that played a part in the judges’ decisions.
The category of Best Refurbished/Recycled Workplace went to One Embankment Place, which also benefits from an ‘outstanding’ BREEAM award, the rating for sustainability in construction.
Best Fit Out of a Workplace was awarded to the risk management and insurance brokers Arthur J. Gallagher for the fit-out of their offices in the Walbrook Building.
Argent claimed the prize for Projects up to 2,000m2 for their building at 4 Stable Street in King’s Cross.
The best commercial workplace was considered One Eagle Place, where the architects and developers had to contend with urban development in a conservation area.
The Best Corporate Workplace was jointly awarded to Brent Civic Centre and the BBC’s Broadcasting House, both of which were renovation projects. Particular praise was given to the Brent Civic Centre for its links between the local community and the design and function of the building.
The BCO awards were introduced in 1992, and now include a ‘Test of Time’ award, established in 2011, which invites former winners to submit nominations five years on, to exemplify that their design, innovation and construction can move with the times.
This news was brought to you by Morgan Pryce, a specialist tenant acquisition agent with offices in Oxford Circus and the City. Morgan Pryce specialises in search, negotiation and project management and works exclusively for tenants.
