South Norfolk & Broadland District Council

We were tasked with a unique challenge: to transform a large, open-plan hangar-style building into a unified workspace for the newly merged South Norfolk and Broadland Councils. At the heart of the project lies the 'Two Councils, One Team' philosophy, fostering collaboration and promoting a sense of community through a positive working environment.

The building's immense size, with a 14m double height central atrium, and its open-plan layout with limited natural light, presented challenges for both illumination and noise control.

The project also faced a strict deadline. With local elections looming, it was essential that works were completed and handed over in time to host the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed local councillors in the new council chambers.

The expansive space presented unique challenges, but also incredible opportunities. Installing a suspended track lighting system that spans the entire atrium allowed us to maximise the potential of the building's height, providing excellent illumination for the ground floor's multiple work zones. Considered space planning sees centrally located workstations benefit from the limited natural light available from the ceiling. The desking is thoughtfully divided by high bench hot desking, collaboration areas, and soft-seating breakout spaces.

To create additional meeting spaces within the open-plan area, we incorporated furniture systems with slatted wall and roof structures which maintain privacy and reduce sound transfer. Biophilia and soft furnishings further enhance acoustic control throughout the floor plate, while tea point areas at opposite ends of the floor provide space for breaks, socialising, and informal meetings.

Flexible furniture pieces, such as meeting pods, are located around the perimeter for informal group or focus sessions, complementing the hooded booths integrated into the partitioning.

Our scheme reflects the 'Two Councils, One Team' theme through a neutral colour palette that incorporates elements from both councils' branding while maintaining political neutrality. Subtle tones and accents of natural greens, complemented by integrated planting throughout, create a welcoming atmosphere. The reception features a branded green wall, and a striking feature beneath the connecting bridge, a large joinery element with an integrated tree, makes the most of the available height. The creation of the hooded booths in the perimeter presented an opportunity to develop bespoke wall graphics showcasing local iconic regional landmarks, celebrating the heritage and significance of both merged councils.

We completed the project within a demanding 14-week programme, ensuring a smooth transition for the council staff before the local elections. The new workspace was able to host the swearing-in ceremony as planned in it's brand new, purpose built conference suite with new dropped ceiling, stage, state of the art AV and coffee point, marking a significant milestone for the merged entity.

The new space reflects South Norfolk and Broadland Council's commitment to unified governance and a collaborative work environment. Through efficient use of space, thoughtfully incorporated acoustic solutions, and a design that celebrates their shared heritage, we transformed a challenging space into a truly functional and inspiring work environment that fully brought the 'Two Councils, One Team' vision into reality.