Willmott Dixon Interiors has transformed Thomas Hardy House into a modern multipurpose space that will improve benefits to the local community.
Willmott Dixon Interiors has completed work on the refurbishment of Thomas Hardy House in Enfield, on behalf of Enfield Council.
The 44-week project has delivered new modern flexible offices and critical community service space on the building’s upper floors, providing accommodation for the Children & Family Hub.
Additionally, the ground floor Dugdale Arts Centre has been reimagined as a thriving community arts centre. It includes a museum with interactive displays, cafe, a mezzanine space and large tiered seating space that can be hired by the community, bringing new life to space that had been used as a vaccination centre during the pandemic. The reconfigured interior now provides a highly adaptable venue.
The 32,000 sq ft project is part of the London Borough of Enfield’s ‘Build the Change’ programme, a cross-organisational culture change initiative, which is modernising and streamlining the Council’s property portfolio.
Works included the strip out and CAT B refurbishment of the first and second floors of Thomas Hardy House. Two new glazed ground floor entrances have been created through the removal of structural staircases and modification of existing curtain walling. Heavy structural alterations have opened up the façade on the building’s first floor, paving the way for new floor to ceiling curtain walling. Staff and visitors benefit from new meeting room space, including the creation of modern meeting rooms with AV/conference technology.
The new facilities are serviced via a new MEPH installation, which includes rooftop plant, improving the energy efficiency of the building.
Willmott Dixon Interiors delivered a programme of community-based activities alongside the main works. They included work experience placements, charitable donations and career mentoring, which resulted in a social return on investment of more than £5.1 million. More than £3.2 million was invested in the use of locally based contractors and suppliers.
Graham Shaw, managing director at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “The refurbishment of Thomas Hardy House is the result of a visionary project by the council to transform office space for the Children & Family Hub and the temporary NHS Covid-19 vaccination centre into a vibrant community space.”
“The project was delivered in the backdrop of the pandemic, which demanded new ways of working to keep everyone safe. We’re thankful to our supply chain partners and our positive partnership with Enfield Council which has enabled us to deliver a successful project on time, while giving back a substantial amount of time and resources to the local community.”
The refurbishment was procured through SCAPE, one of the UK’s leading public sector procurement authorities, and delivered by a project team including TP Bennett, Stace LLP and Pick Everard.
It is the second recent project to be completed by Willmott Dixon Interiors on behalf of Enfield Council and follows the refurbishment of the 2nd floor Edmonton Green Housing Service centre into a new Housing Services Hub