Completed in February 2025, the Co-Space expansion has introduced 900 sqm of flexible office space in a prime town centre environment located in a conservation area.
Having a site in a conservation area requires an aspiration to achieve the highest requirements of today without compromising its standing as a protected place. The area in question is partially listed, with the conservation line running through the expansion footprint, whilst operating as a flexible space for commerce. The prominence of the Town Square as a focal point for heritage, arts and culture has continued to grow with the installation of plaques commemorating three iconic pieces of artwork listed by Historic England, including a wall sculpture by Peter Lyon which is located on the building.
This scheme is based on ‘mixed-use’ principles and is designed to increase the number of people living and working in the town. Following the success of the initial offering, this expansion responds to growing demand and has continued to gain momentum and catalysed investment, with other schemes in the pipeline to support further business and enterprise facilities in the town centre. This is about maximising economic growth and regenerative stimulation.
The space is now fully let. Bringing an additional 150 desks, this encourages new business and associated footfall and spend to the town, whilst refurbishing an ageing building with a 24-hour operator. Refurbishing vacant space is respectful of the town’s history whilst finding a use that enables the building to be part of its history and future.
Three Winning Facts:
- A rare example of successfully repurposing post WW2 architecture without compromising its integrity, to expand an under-provided service within a town centre environment. The council has demonstrated how existing key assets can be sympathetically worked with to enable a rich heritage to play a part in the future.
- An expansion of space provided in 2021 demonstrates a proactive council sensitive to the needs of its business community and stimulating wider economic growth within Stevenage.
- The space is now fully let, bringing another 150 desks of flexible working space to the town centre.
