As we first told you back in January, we are moving from our Packington base to a custom-designed new office in the Old Cottage Hospital, Ashby de la Zouch. The conversion into our new offices is now well underway. Here’s an update on progress:
Demolition
After stripping out old floor coverings, fixtures and fittings, a specialist contractor prepared the 1950s rear extensions for demolition. The contractor began by disconnecting the parts to be demolished from the original building, carefully removing elements by hand to form a channel between the two, before the demolition work was carried out by machine.
Our proposals for the hospital building include the reuse and salvage, as well as the restoration, of many original features. The ceiling within one of the main offices (a former ward at the front of the building) has been removed to reveal a vast roof space area with original trusses which are being restored and exposed as a feature.
Some internal walls have been removed to provide a new reception area. In addition to the original staircase, which we have retained, a new staircase has been installed to aid circulation around the building.
We are installing completely new infrastructure services throughout to introduce the latest electrical fittings, networking, plumbing and heating.
Interior design
Over recent months, with the assistance of Caroline from Bolthole Design, we have been heavily involved in looking at the interior details for the office. This includes floor coverings, paint colours and finishing schemes, to ensure that the finished offices reflect both the building’s heritage and style while providing a comfortable and modern working environment.
Parts of the building to the rear have been rebuilt where they were severed from the demolished areas. Some of the roof elements will shortly be receiving new pitched roof structures, tiled to match the original section of the building.
Stolen
As you may have heard, over the Easter holidays, some of the lead was stolen from the front of the building over the original entrance, so we now face the added issue of its replacement.
The original windows have all been retained and refurbished, with the more modern casement windows being replaced with sash windows to match those of the original building.
Parts of the building to the rear have been rebuilt where they were severed from the demolished areas. Some of the roof elements will shortly be receiving new pitched roof structures, tiled to match the original section of the building.
Landscape design
As work has progressed, it has highlighted some significant level changes in the land between the front and the back of the site, which have required in-depth thought as to how to resolve landscaping, parking and access into the building. The landscaping scheme has been designed by Anna from Lush Garden Design, and the plans for both the front and rear of the building are both attractive and practical. The levels have also presented some challenges concerning drainage, utilities and incoming services, most of which have now been relocated and new connections installed.
The building had a minimal amount of original internal doors, which we have retained. However, the flush modern fire doors have been removed and replaced with something more traditional and akin to the age of the building.
We have now reached the end of the heavy structural work, and as we move forward towards the summer, we will see the reinstatement and putting back together of the building, as it takes shape and starts coming to life.
We have set up a couple of time-lapse cameras on site, and we hope to bring you footage showing the building’s progress in the coming months.
Office Space to let
We have reached agreements with a number of companies interested in taking office space on the first floor, but we do have a couple of office suites still available. If you are interested in relocating to smart, modern, managed office space in central Ashby, please speak to David on 01530 560939, or email d.granger@davidgrangerdesign.com.
