The scheme proposed a full refurbishment of three floors to an existing office building on the University of York campus: delivering approximately 15,000 Sq. Ft of contemporary offices. The space provides a new home for University of York teams including Estates, IT Services, Accommodation, Campus and Commercial Services, Finance and Human Resources.
This new Hub forms part of the University’s plan to make better use of its existing properties. Moving some of the Professional Services teams into this building will assist in streamlining the University’s operations and ensure the creation of high-quality, effective and efficient workspaces across all locations.
Internal works included the full strip out back to shell with the remodelling of the existing welfare facilities and the creation of an IT Network Hub. The Hub offers a variety of spaces to suit different ways of working and provides flexible workspace. The offices include touch-down areas for quick tasks, bookable desks, dedicated Zoom pods and phone booths, and more traditional meeting rooms. The spaces include biophilic design elements through the choice of natural materials, soft colour palettes and wall murals of the campus grounds: all with a view to increase the occupants’ connectivity to the natural environment.
The project involved pro-active stakeholder engagement sessions to gain the full appreciation of the various stakeholder’s requirements and objectives bringing a holistic understanding of the stakeholder’s needs and project deliverables.The building sets a new standard for the University of York in terms of sustainability by utilising air source heat pump technology, which consequently removed the building’s dependency on gas.
“The delivery of 1 Innovation Close has been a standout success. Through the team’s combined agility and dedication, we have achieved a technically superior, sustainable facility that will serve our stakeholders for many years to come.” David Ayre, University of York
Client: University of York / Sector: Education / Status: Complete 2025 / Photography: TBC
