Altering Altrincham: Major refurb unveiled at our Atlantic Business Centre

Our Atlantic Business Centre has had its historic features restored thanks to a major refurbishment.

The centre in Altrincham was officially relaunched at an open day where guests were treated to guided tours of the former Radio Rentals factory, as well as a delicious buffet made at the on-site Harlequins Café.

Photographic evidence

Business Centre Manager Shelley O’Reilly had found old photos in the loft of the centre, showing how the building had boasted attractive architectural features when it was built in 1911, and she was determined to restore these when the 83-unit centre was updated with BizSpace’s new corporate brand scheme.

The three-month, £140,000 project has also been an opportunity to open up some communal café space on the ground floor, creating an attractive area where customers can meet, chat, network and do business together.

Fresh and welcoming

“We’ve had a fantastic response to the centre’s new look, from our existing customers and other business people who have visited,” says Shelley, who has been the manager of Atlantic Business Centre for two and a half years.

“The ground floor is so much more welcoming now and the café is an integral part of the communal space, where our customers can relax, enjoy the food and the warm atmosphere.  It’s hard to even imagine now how it looked before.”

Victoria Lysaght is Accounts Manager at 422 Media Ltd, who have been based at the centre since December.

 “It’s a huge improvement – I love the vintage retro feel of the details, such as the lights and tiles.  I didn’t realise it was an old factory, so it’s nice to see the old photos on the wall to see how it has been restored back to its former style.”

Tony Swaine, managing director of Leisurezone Ltd, has been based at the centre for five years.

“It is much improved and is more attractive for visitors, as well as those working here,” he says.

“My favourite element of the transformation is the opening up of the reception area and cafe. It is much more welcoming, and the new owner of the cafe has really improved the food.

 “The centre is definitely a place I am proud to call home for my business.”

Dramatic change

DWA Architects also has offices at Atlantic Business Centre.

“I’m really impressed with the refurbishment,” Director Jason Critchley says.

“It’s a dramatic change and it’s a really nice working environment – somewhere we can be proud to bring our clients.  The work hasn’t been disruptive for us either.”

Northern Power UPS Lt has been based at Atlantic for six years.

Digital Marketing Executive Stephanie Tucker comments: “I love the way the new design embraces the heritage of the building as well as having a crisp, modern feel.

 “We are incredibly proud to be part of the BizSpace family. We love the BizSpace staff; Shelley, Claire and Duncan and the team cannot do enough for us. The new cafe operators bring another level of professionalism to the catering offering. We hope to enjoy many more years at Atlantic Business Centre.”

The interior design scheme has been created by a customer at the centre, Territory Interior Design.  Amongst the work undertaken, tiled and parquet floors have been uncovered and restored, staircases have been tiled, ceilings have been raised to reveal high windows and brickwork has been exposed.

“We used the centre’s history and the surrounding area as the inspiration for the design scheme,” director Kate Yates said.

“We’ve been very lucky to discover such fantastic original features that we’ve been able to restore. It’s all come together fantastically and the way we’ve opened up the café area has created an attractive focal point and a relaxing social space.”

Inspirational surroundings

A new flat roof has also been installed and the site’s large car park is set to be resurfaced.  The walls of the centre feature artwork highlighting the history of the area, as well as inspirational quotes to motivate business owners.

“The transformation of the centre really is breath-taking and is a huge credit to everyone who’s been involved,” our Commercial Director, Emma Long, says.

“The businesses we’ve shown around have really fallen in love with the centre, which is now a much brighter and more attractive place to work and socialise.”

For more information call Shelley on 0161 926 3600 or visit www.bizspace.co.uk.