Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, has moved into a new 10,000m2 office in Woodcote Grove, Epsom, on the same site where the company was first based in the 1960s.
The office, which was conceptually designed by Atkins’ architects, offers a modern, efficient and flexible workspace for 1,300 multi-disciplinary staff. Featuring on open layouts, interlinked with meeting and relaxation areas as well as a series of quiet pods, the building’s modern and vibrant design promotes collaboration, while the various communal areas, cafeteria and forum area offer employees a range of informal places to connect and relax.
Sustainability played a key role in the design, with the building strategically positioned to maximise on solar benefits, ventilation and natural light. The building was also developed in line with the highest sustainability standards, including receiving a BREEAM Excellent rating and an A-rated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
Richard Robinson, CEO, Atkins, said: “Woodcote Grove is a special place for Atkins, being the site where Sir William Atkins established a base for the company more than 50 years ago. Since then, we have seen the company flourish and the needs of employees evolve. The agile environment at the new office puts collaboration, efficiency and sustainability at its core. I look forward to seeing the interdisciplinary team based in Woodcote Grove continue to drive digital innovation and deliver value to clients and the local community from this modern new hub.”
HBD, formerly known as Henry Boot Developments, were chosen as delivery partner from the design stage, with Speller Metcalfe appointed to deliver the building shell and other Category A works. With Faithful+Gould as team lead, Modus Workspace were chosen to manage the Category B fit-out and installation of fixtures, furniture and equipment to complete the building ready for its opening. Faithful+Gould also project managed the movement of staff from the old facilities on the Epsom Estate to the new site.
Adrian Schofield, Head of HBD South East, said: “Woodcote Grove is a fantastic building which will not only prove operationally effective, but will allow Atkins to provide its employees with a healthy and effective working environment.”
Adrian Speller, Technical Director at Speller Metcalfe, said: “The juxtaposition of the old and new offices really displays the dramatic change in environment for this Atkins site, which now provides a more cohesive and collaborative environment for the staff who work here. The project has been a complex undertaking, but the result is a building that now meets the needs of its users and will continue to deliver for many years to come.”
Atkins took a strong inter-disciplinary approach at the early stages of the project, relying on a collaborative effort from over 20 disciplines across its business, including architects, project management, building services, sound and lighting engineers, archaeologists and ecologists.
From their new office, the team in Epsom will continue to demonstrate its world-class expertise on projects including the Heathrow Airport Expansion, Aquatar and the Thames Tideway Tunnel.