Type: Featured
Serviced Office Conversion
Sector
- Office
Contract Value £1mil
Location Cai Building – Royal Quays
Services
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Development
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Management
When Grant Stanley were approached by the client for the CAI office development in North Shields, the building was struggling to attract tenants. Although structurally sound, the 1980s office block had become dated, under-occupied, and unappealing to modern businesses seeking contemporary, flexible workspace. The client’s goal was clear: transform the building into an inviting, modern environment that would appeal to a new generation of occupiers and increase the overall value of the property.
Our team was commissioned to design and manage a complete refurbishment of the common areas, circulation spaces, and sanitary facilities, as well as to convert an entire floor into fully serviced offices. The brief required a balance between functionality, cost efficiency, and visual impact to ensure that the investment translated directly into improved marketability and long-term asset performance.
Design Approach
From the outset, our approach focused on light, texture, and flow. The existing interior lacked identity and cohesion; dark corridors, tired finishes, and outdated lighting created a poor first impression for prospective tenants. We re-imagined the spatial experience from the moment of entry—starting with the main entrance lobby. The new design introduced a more open and welcoming arrival sequence, using modern materials, clean lines, and a neutral palette complemented by accent lighting and durable finishes suitable for heavy foot traffic.
In the corridors and stairwells, new flooring, wall finishes, and upgraded lighting transformed previously neglected spaces into bright, professional environments that reflect the quality of the building. The toilet facilities were completely refurbished to current standards, incorporating modern sanitary ware, energy-efficient fittings, and contemporary detailing that aligns with the aesthetic of high-quality serviced offices.
Serviced Office Conversion
One of the key objectives of the project was to convert an underutilised floor into a flexible serviced office suite. The design aimed to accommodate a mix of individual offices, meeting rooms, and shared breakout spaces, offering flexibility for small businesses and startups. Acoustic performance, natural light, and spatial efficiency were central to the layout design, ensuring each space delivered comfort and practicality.
Through careful space planning and an emphasis on quality finishes, the new serviced offices achieved a boutique feel while remaining cost-effective to deliver. The result was a workspace that could be easily marketed to multiple tenants and managed with minimal maintenance.
Delivery & Outcome
The project commenced in late February 2019 and reached completion by late May 2019—delivered on time and within the agreed budget. Throughout the process, Grant Stanley acted as both designer and project manager, coordinating contractors, specifications, and procurement to maintain design integrity and cost control.
Following completion, the refurbishment achieved its primary goal: revitalising a once-dated building into a desirable commercial address. The enhanced common areas and modern serviced offices have significantly improved tenant appeal, occupancy levels, and the overall value of the property.
This project exemplifies our ability to combine strategic design thinking, with efficient project management, to transform underperforming assets into vibrant, income-generating workplaces ready for the modern market.
Team Lead
