Who’s Moving? Q3 2023

From right-sizing, office-sharing, navigating hybrid working, to expanding and acquiring higher-quality premises – charities continue to adapt to create optimal workspaces for today’s workforce.

Here’s your download on charity relocations for Q3 2023.

Barnardo’s

Barnardo’s charity shop has been granted approval to move into Hartlepool’s High Point Retail Park – filling a vacant unit for the first time in almost 10 years. The restrictive conditions preventing the sale of certain items has been lifted, as planners agreed the move would boost the site’s “vitality”.

Go-Forward Youth

The charity for care experienced people recently gained its first office HQ. In the heart of Camden, TSP helped source the space. Kadeema Woodbyrne, CEO, said a communal space for people to gather was key, plus a one-to-one space to provide psychotherapy sessions. “I’m most looking forward to people making friendships and building relationships in the space”, Woodbyrne highlighted.

Guide Dogs UK

Guide Dogs moved out of a London office-share with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) after the latter ended the lease. Staff moved from RNIB’s old office on Judd Street, to the British Medical Association’s larger building in Tavistock Square. Chris Austin, Head of Property, said there were benefits to the new larger building: “When all our dogs were evacuated in a recent fire alarm drill, it offered the perfect opportunity to talk to lots of new people about volunteering!”

National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society

Maidenhead-based charity has moved into new premises in White Waltham to help manage rent prices. “The premises has been recently renovated to a modern standard with an affordable rent enabling us to make the most of our limited resources. Remaining in Maidenhead was key – it is the charity’s birthplace and ideally located for staff”, says Clare Jacklin, CEO.

People in Action

Bedworth charity supporting people with learning difficulties is expanding services by moving to a new home in Nuneaton. They have bought the former UPS head office, a much larger, purpose built building. “It is a joyous moment. We are excited about the future. It will save us a lot of money in the long term, even down to paying for parking season tickets for staff” says Jeff Hunt, Founder.

RSPCA

Following the sale of their £8.5m-listed building in Southwater last year, RSPCA have now moved into their new offices in Horsham, East Sussex. The downsize signals their shift to flexible working while also releasing funds to invest in charitable activity.

The Nursery Theatre

The performing arts charity moved into a 14,300 sq ft workspace at Minerva House in May – 2-minute walk from London Bridge. They are the first charity to benefit from TSP’s partnership with GPE – working together to identify non-profits to occupy vacant space in GPE’s portfolio. “It’s been tricky getting back to in person work without our own space. We are eternally grateful to TSP and GPE for helping to facilitate our new offices. It’s been a tremendous help to the charity and will make a real difference to our work”, says Kandy Rohmann, General Manager.

The Vegan Society 

The Society have downsized by returning to their original office, Hylton Street, Birmingham. Chief executive Steve Hamon said: “Returning to a smaller property that the society owns has the added benefit of reducing expenditure that can be utilised more effectively in other areas.”

Thyroid UK

A registered charity since 2008, Thyroid UK has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining its first office in Frating, Essex. Prior to the move, the charity had been operating from a log cabin in the Founder’s garden which they had outgrown.

Voluntary Service Overseas

The organisation has been based in Kingston upon Thames, London, for the past 10 years. They are now right-sizing and moving to rent serviced space – providing higher-quality facilities with added amenity for their employees