Private Investment Fund, City of London

The brief:

Having seen MPL’s Cat A+ portfolio of work, we were asked back to 80 Middlesex Street in the heart of the capital to transform the third floor of the building. The client, together with its advisory partner, TMD Building Consultancy, wanted a turn-key ready commercial unit ready to launch to the office rental market.

Due to the condition of the building, this project required an end-to-end refurbishment solution that would take a neglected shell and turn it into a fully-furnished office.

Our approach:

Lain unoccupied for some time, this job was the true definition of a Cat A+ fit out. As well as some strip out elements, MPL engaged in a full M&E phase before work could begin on the space planning, fit-out and aesthetics needed.

Once all new heating, comfort cooling, lighting, power and data supplies had been installed, we followed our designer’s space plan to create a flexible office. Working with a blank canvas enabled us to carve out different zones – spaces that would allow for agile and hybrid working, as well as facilitate more traditional approaches to the workplace.

In the zone

This office can be broken down into three distinct focuses, meeting our client’s brief for a modern, fit-for-purpose office to rent out. A main open-plan work area can accommodate 28 employees, set across four banks of desks, with added storage units and biophilic planters. 

Numerous break out zones were also included, designed to increase engagement between workers. These take the form of two soft seating areas, a bar-height collaboration desk set with eight stools, and an open-plan tea point/kitchen with a table and chairs.

Room for manoeuvre

Private space is provided on a sliding scale, created by installing new internal walls and glass partitions. From a single person phone booth and a three-person meeting room to larger private offices to hold four and eight people, there is flexibility when discretion and peace may be preferred. Each meeting room is fully furnished, down to artwork and office plants.

Other aspects designed and installed by MPL include new cloakrooms; a bank of lockers that are ideal for those who hot desk; a print area with full-height storage and a comms rooms. 

The shell of the building, while previously unloved, provided MPL with an amazing warehouse backdrop to customise. We retained the exposed brick, kept the plenum void ceiling and repainted the existing steel work black. Our overlaid colour scheme was complementary but fresh, featuring shades of light grey, duck egg, eau de nil, dusky pink and salmon. Details, including half-height timber slat panelling in soft white and abstract artwork, serve to soften any industrial edges.

More Cat B elements coming

Although MPL completed a full redecoration, specified and built all furniture, installed light fittings and pendants, added ample storage, accessorised with soft furnishings and fitted window blinds, we have opened a conversation with the incoming tenant. Discussions are underway for MPL to personalise the offering further to meet the tenants’ exact needs.