Radical refit allows Peaks and Plains to release office space
THE trust that looks after the town’s social housing has undergone a radical £700,000 refit.
Peaks & Plains Housing Trust has transformed its headquarters at the town’s Ropewalks on Bond Street.
It funded the makeover by re-designing the areas it previously occupied and bringing staff from across three floors on to one, releasing more than 800 square metres of available office space, which has now been let to other occupiers.
This funding model using rental income is a first for any public-sector landlord.
The office fit-out is now complete and phase two of the project, to create an inviting 200 sqm space where customers and members of the public can meet for support, information and social events in a supportive and private environment, is underway.
The redesign was led by BAND Architects, which were tasked with creating a more efficient, healthy office environment – one better suited and equipped to meet the needs of its employees, and to support the continued improvement of the Trust’s services.
In occupying a single working environment, the team is benefiting from improved communications, sharing of ideas and resources and has also implemented a paperfree system to deliver greater environmental efficiencies.
Tim Pinder, chief executive of Peaks & Plains Housing Trust, said: “The design delivered by BAND Architects reflects Peaks & Plain’s identity and the whole team is absolutely delighted with it.
“It doesn’t necessarily have to cost more to deliver great design and it is something we are now working on replicating in the homes we create for our residents.
“As well as delivering amazing new spaces for us to work in this scheme is all about delivering value for money.
“By renting out the rest of our building and consolidating more functions in this new space we are saving money that can be spent on the delivery of new homes.”
The new design includes wallpaper and fabric designs sourced from the local Silk Heritage Museum, and artwork by Macclesfield photographer Fiona Bailey, who was commissioned to capture Maxonians and their every day lives.