Appleyards was appointed as the Employer’s Agent/Project Manager responsible for the refurbishment of a site in York and the provision of an office facility in Alnwick. For both projects, the aim was to encourage good sustainability practise throughout design, construction and occupation.

We were responsible for all aspects of the projects; including communications, planning and implementation, stakeholder management and benefits realisation.

The project in York provided 1200 workstations in a naturally-ventilated, open plan modern working environment with a new "social hub" extension and business centre with the potential to accommodate any future relocations that may be required.

The new two story office building at Alnwick houses teams brought together from three areas of Defra, including colleagues who relocated from the South East. It is designed to be carbon neutral in operation, and is formed of two blocks, which were constructed to the north and south of the existing building, allowing it to remain operational during construction. Following the identification of user needs, and regular stakeholder liaison via a communications strategy, the concept of smart working was introduced, and facilitates the efficient use of space within Lion House.