CO2Sense
Sector: Environmental
Location: Leeds
Services: Fit Out, Furniture Installation
C02Sense appointed Ben Johnson to manage their office move, supporting them through the process by helping them evaluate potential buildings both in terms of space and potential fit-out costs.
Now independent from Yorkshire Forward, CO2Sense wanted a space that would express their innovative culture yet remain sensitive to their public sector roots. Lead time was critical as C02Sense had 12weeks to find and move from their existing premises which included property search, legal negotiations, Christmas shutdown and fit-out. This was further complicated as the chosen building, Marshall Mills, still had CAT A works to be completed.
Ben Johnson worked with C02Sense and the landlord to collapse the timeline by operating an open book approach, which was monitored by independent surveyors Jones Hargreaves. The landlord’s refurbishment works included new toilets and showers, lighting, flooring, fire alarm system, decoration and security shutters. The client’s fit-out works incorporated new partitioning, joinery, kitchen, feature carpets, lighting and decoration, branding and furniture supply. The overall project was delivered in 12 weeks within budget.
What they said:
The refurbishment and fit out works on the ground floor at Marshalls Mill presented a challenge for all parties, namely combining Cat A (Landlord Refurbishment) and Cat B (Tenant Fit Out) to achieve a 5 week on-site programme within a Grade 2* listed building.
The works to the 6500sq ft suite were comprehensive and included new heating, lighting and electrical installations, WCs, shower, kitchens, subdivision to create meeting rooms and offices and the installation of high quality finishes. Ben Johnsons were responsible for the Cat B design and delivery of the completed works on site and their team quickly gained a full understanding of the landlord’s and tenant’s aims, together with the constraints of working with a historic building. As a result, the design stage was completed quickly and efficiently and completed scheme met the clients aspirations and budgetary requirements.
Costs were also agreed with the minimum of fuss to enable the contract to be placed within 3 weeks of the initial meeting. Ben Johnsons were on site the following week, one week before Christmas. Throughout the contract, client design changes were incorporated without significant additional cost or effect on programme. The overall costs for the combined works was under £40/sq ft which took the suite from an unoccupied shell to a fully functioning modern office space.
Ben Johnsons impressed with their ability to accommodate a punishing timescale while still presenting a quality product at completion. This is in no small part due to their dedicated, knowledgeable and extremely hard working team.
