Halliwells LLP Manchester, 180,000 sq ft When Manchester law firm Halliwells LLP made the decision to relocate its entire Manchester workforce from its two existing offices to 3 Hardman Square, Spinningfields, Claremont Group Interiors was commissioned to supply the complete furniture package for the new workspace to accommodate more than 700 staff across 8 floors.
consultancy > furniture > audiovisual
Location: 3 Hardman Square, Spinningfields, Manchester Sector: Legal Project Value: Furniture: £2.1m Audiovisual: £500k
Above Left: Floor-to-ceiling glass panels in reception reinforce the Halliwells brand identity. Below & Above Right: Strong branding is again echoed in the 8th floor Client Suite reception. Right: Feature walls incorporating graphics, photography, painting, artwork and poetry were installed at every level to add interest and definition to the communal areas.
The Brief Spinningfields stands as one of Manchester’s foremost commercial districts—its 12 signature buildings have been designed by the likes of Foster and Partners, RHWL and Denton Corker Marshall. It was a Foster-designed building at 3 Hardman Square that was elected as the new home to Halliwells, the UK’s fastest-growing law firm with around 1,000 employees, over 700 of whom would be based at the Hardman Square office. Claremont was commissioned to supply the complete furniture package for the project. From the outset, Claremont had a very clear view of the need to develop a package which would facilitate the move’s key drivers— to create more collaborative spaces to increase interdepartmental and team interaction, to develop an impressive business lounge facility for clients and visitors, and to deliver all with style, quality and functionality in mind.” *source: www.halliwells.com 2008
t: 01925 284 000 w: www.claremontgi.com © 2008
Halliwells LLP Manchester, 180,000 sq ft The Solution Working with a range of manufacturers, Claremont supplied a comprehensive furniture package which successfully met the aesthetic, functional and budgetary needs of the client. Floors two to seven include training suites, meeting rooms, break-out spaces and touch-down points, each supported by a wide range of storage options. In each area there are six levels of storage, including coat storage, adjustable shelving for taking lever arch or A4 files, general filing storage (shelf over desk + storage wall units) and personal lockers. Venture up one floor and you are in the client suite, fronted by a dedicated reception and surrounded by views of Manchester. As well as the boardroom there are two seminar rooms, seventeen smaller meeting rooms, and a 90-seat café and lounge. The striking physical environment is underpinned by impressive audiovisual and multimedia infrastructure—all supplied by Claremont’s ‘Viewpoint’ division.
consultancy > furniture > audiovisual Break-out and hot-desking areas make use of the curved floor plate.
Cellular offices for partners & fee earners span the perimeter of the floor with ancillary staff located in the central, open plan areas.
The Result
The Client Suite’s waiting area/ business lounge with panoramas over Manchester city centre. Right: One of the 17 smaller meeting rooms in the 8th floor Client Suite.
The finished workspace not only provides eight levels of efficient and productive space, but also an environment which, through quality, style and simplicity, echoes the spirit and strength of the company’s investment. Aesthetically, the furniture package offered by Claremont gives way to an office which is exciting and stylised but not imposing. Quality, functionality and longevity were all key elements of the package. Ian Austin, Managing Partner at Halliwells, said, “The move to Spinningfields is a fantastic springboard for us to move forward as the region’s pre-eminent law firm. We are delighted to have worked with Claremont on our impressive new building. Their positive and committed approach coupled with their ability to provide a high level of service made them the ideal partner in the provision of our first class working environment as we continue to expand across every area of the firm”. t: 01925 284 000 w: www.claremontgi.com © 2008