Blackburn Diocese, Clayton House

Earlier this year we were invited to tender for the relocation of Blackburn Diocese staff to Clayton House, Walker Business Park, Blackburn. The driving force behind the move was to bring four parts of the Diocese into one new and exciting working environment. Previously staff were based at multiple sites across Blackburn and their current head office at Church House was no longer suitable for modern working practices.

For the Diocese, the move was about providing the best possible asset to the Diocese in terms of office space; while at the same time ensuring that staff had the best possible working environment. They wanted to ensure they had a new location where everyone could be housed comfortably and where they could also work more closely together for the benefit of the Diocese as a whole.

Working alongside award winning architects Cassidy & Ashton and the Diocese, our brief was to design, space plan and furnish the whole of the building in a professional, modern and flexible way.

We embarked on a lengthy consultation period, during which we spoke to various staff user groups to gain an understanding of how they interact and work together, their storage requirements and how they like to spend down-time. Taking on board all their essential requirements and ‘wish list’ and using our extensive interior design skills, we presented a scheme and furniture package that best met their needs. Our inspiring interior design scheme and cost effective solution meant that we were able to beat off stiff competition.

The emphasis for the ground floor was shared spaces and a variety of informal and formal meeting areas were introduced. Flexibility was also important and a folding wall gives the client the option of one large room or two smaller ones should the need arise. Open plan desking to support approximately 22 staff, along with private offices and a comfortable breakout area in a striking green complete this floor.

The aim of the main office area located on the first floor was to seat approximately 56 members of staff as well as factoring in future growth, additional meeting spaces, executive office space and an efficient storage solution. Following an extensive space planning exercise and storage audit, we developed a cohesive furniture solution that would not only accommodate the staff comfortably; it would also encourage interaction and collaboration whilst ensuring each team had the appropriate storage to carry out their day to day tasks.

All furniture was carefully selected to promote staff wellbeing, the corporate image and to maximise the space available.

A fresh colour scheme, teamed with natural finishes and modern furnishings ensures the final scheme provides a professional base for all four divisions of the Diocese.