6 Striking Office Turnarounds

Discover six office refurbishments that have been strategically repackaged to win in today’s flexible market.

1. YY London – Canary Wharf E14

Wellness HQ for Next-Gen Canary Wharf

Dating back to 1991, YY London, once home to Thomas Reuters, stands as one of Canary Wharf’s first steel-framed blocks.

Completed in 2023, this striking reimagination involved the addition of three new floors and 25% extra floorspace – achieved by infilling an existing atrium and increasing the building’s massing.

The redesign prioritises outdoor connectivity and occupant wellness. It features outside space on almost every floor, a sweeping 1,300 sq ft rooftop terrace hosting regular wellness classes from Third Space, plus luxurious end of journey facilities for 300 bicycles.

YY London is poised to cater to the evolving needs of Canary Wharf’s next generation. It has recently been shortlisted for five industry leading awards and is the first building in Canary Wharf to receive a SmartScore Platinum rating.

Revolut, the UK’s most valuable fintech company, have been in negotiations to secure 113,000 sq ft across the building’s top four floors.

2. Artesian – Aldgate E1

Art Deco Workspace for Maximum Flexibility

This landmark Art Deco building was built in 1938 as a Co-Operative Group factory and warehouse for furnishings. Today, its history provides a canvas of inspiration for big ideas to flourish.

Completed in 2023, the considered refurbishment of this 91,000 sq ft building preserved 90% of the original structure while embracing and enhancing its Art Deco charm.

Artesian prioritises flexible spaces to cater to the wide variety of working styles of today’s workforce. Its eight floors are available in both CAT A and bespoke CAT B finishes. The floors include high focus zones, touchdown desks, informal banquette seating, flexible project rooms, and town halls.

Additionally, the double height reception area has been transformed into a social hub with its own café and on-site barista; an inviting backdrop for informal meetings.

3. The Joint Works – Birmingham B1

Characterful Home for Co-workers

In the heart of Birmingham’s close-knit Jewellery Quarter, The Joint Works has been strategically transformed from a dilapidated Grade II listed structure into a characterful, contemporary workspace.

Part funded by National Lottery Heritage fund with extremely high conservation standards, it is an exemplar of successfully combining a building’s heritage with modern workspace requirements.

Offering a range of coworking membership options, from daily passes to scalable subscription services, individuals and businesses can tailor their arrangements to suit evolving needs and growth trajectories. With accessible payment plans spanning daily, monthly, or annually, convenience and affordability are key hallmarks of its appeal.

The Joint Works has welcomed many growing independent businesses including Substrakt, 2G Design and Build, as well as The Birmingham Design Shop housed at reception.

4. 79 Clerkenwell – Clerkenwell EC1

Amenity-Rich Clubhouse for SMEs

From neglected office block to amenity-rich flex clubhouse, 79 Clerkenwell has been comprehensively reimagined to appeal to today’s workforce. It provides a variety of floorplates from 953 – 5,280 sq ft – each meticulously curated as a turnkey ‘ready-to-go’ flexible space.

Tailored for SMEs transitioning from serviced offices, it fosters identity and culture with dedicated workspace combined with all the co-working amenities. It features a house manager with WhatsApp concierge service, alongside standout amenities including a fully equipped wellness room with barre, podcasting studio, vanity area, and luxurious end of journey facilities.

A local artist has been commissioned to paint a large-scale, vibrant mural on the building’s sidewall – underscoring its unique, playful character.

5. The Heal’s Building – Fitzrovia, W1

Historic Haven for the West End

For over 200 years the Heal’s Building has been the home of British design. This historic Central London site is where Ambrose Heal founded his famous design atelier – fusing advanced design, innovation, manufacturing and production – eventually becoming a collection of nine unique buildings where furniture was made and dispatched to the world.

Fast forward to 2024, General Projects have reimagined and reinvented this incredible Grade II* Listed landmark – from furniture maker to manufacturer of ideas.

Through the reinstatement and restoration of never seen before heritage, their approach fuses history with avant-garde design. The building provides a 135,000 sq ft collection of offices, café bar, private landscaped courtyard, plus communal club lounge – dedicated for businesses crafting the work of tomorrow.

6. Reisinger Studio – Barcelona

Contemporary Sanctuary for Digital Artist

Purchased as an empty, disused shell, Reisinger Studio has been transformed into the HQ for one of the most sought-after digital artists of the 21^st century, Andrés Reisinger.

Across two floors, this open-plan mezzanine workspace is characterised by minimalist, dreamlike, and sculptural elements – reflecting the artist’s work. Playfully designed to be like a canvas: “The goal was to create a space that would inspire, rather than distract, from the work being produced,” explained Reisinger.

The bright, airy, double-height workspace features floor to ceiling windows, opening out onto a private zen terrace with lots of greenery.

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