Liverpool office landmark to undergo £3m transformation

The Plaza, the landmark building that has held an iconic spot on Liverpool’s skyline since 1965, is set to be re-imagined as Bruntwood Works embarks on a major £3m transformation to create a workspace environment that’s designed to build and enhance community connection.

The design-led approach, which will blend work and lifestyle to transform the amenities and experience for the building’s community and guests, nods back to the spirit and aspirations of the 1960s.

The bold and expressive interiors have been designed to evoke a sense of action encouraging collaboration, community and productivity.

A partnership with renowned Liverpool operator GSG Hospitality – the group behind Duke Street Food and Drink Market, Bold Street Coffee, Salt Dog Slim’s and 81 Ltd – will also create a vibrant and welcoming space on the ground floor to complement the customer lounge and coworking suites.

The concept, which will be revealed in 2021, will include a coffee shop and destination restaurant alongside a pop-up retail space and cocktail bar, adding vibrancy to the heart of Liverpool’s commercial quarter and creating a place for the wider community to enjoy.

This latest transformation is part of Bruntwood Works’ £50m Pioneer programme – the scheme that creates forward-thinking workspaces centred on six key pillars: biophilia, art, sustainability, wellness, amenity and technology – and it marks Bruntwood Works’ first Pioneer building in Liverpool.

As with all Pioneer projects, wellbeing remains central to the project as Bruntwood Works continues to create spaces that actively enhance work life balance and improve the wellbeing of its communities.

At The Plaza, this will be delivered through investment in bespoke lighting, audio zones and quiet study spaces to enhance the working environment and boost productivity, while planting and biophilic design will be integrated to boost oxygen levels, reduce stress and support improved mental health.

Active travel and fitness will also be supported with 142 bike spaces, 18 showers and a new wellness studio to host fitness classes.

To support this focus on wellbeing, smart technology will be used throughout to enhance sustainability and connectivity.

For example, green-tech such as photovoltaic tiles will harness solar power and energy-saving sensors within the building will be used to optimise efficiency, while new air quality control systems will further support wellbeing and the installation of RG Nets – sophisticated and high-performance IP networks – means customers will be fully connected throughout the building.

Ciara Keeling, Bruntwood Works chief executive, said: “The Plaza has always had an iconic presence on Liverpool’s skyline and this transformation will not only create a vibrant destination in the heart of the commercial quarter, it will set a new standard for workspace in the city.

“It will become one of the most innovative buildings in the North West, provide a first-class hospitality experience with an exciting new food and drink operator, and create a more fitting home for forward-thinking, ambitious businesses across Liverpool.

“Putting our customers at the heart of what we do has always shaped our thinking, and at The Plaza we’re creating a blend of work, leisure and wellbeing in a space to suit our customers’ changing focuses and needs.”

Matthew Farrell, co-founder and director of GSG Hospitality, said: “We are excited to work in partnership with Bruntwood Works in bringing a brand new experience to the iconic Plaza building.

“The new concept will be a multifaceted offering that will be a welcome addition to the commercial district and also for Bruntwood Works’ customers and the wider community.”

The Plaza, which is already home to a broad range of digital, technology and professional services businesses, includes serviced offices and larger leased spaces.

It also offers Bruntwood Works’ Made & Managed product, which allows customers to build a bespoke package of services including utilities, furniture and cleaning for a simple monthly fee.

Set to complete in Summer 2021, it will achieve the same standards as Bruntwood Works’ British Safety Council accredited workspaces for COVID-secure use.

The project will be supported by Cubic Works by Bruntwood (contractor & mechanical engineer) and Phaus (interior architect).