Reading Bridge House, Reading

The brief

Our client acquired this office tower in central Reading and embarked on a programme of improvements to help attract and retain tenants. This has proved its success, with the original vacancy having been nearly all taken since.

The solution

The project involved a front of house refresh, keeping existing elements where possible to limit the investment.  We over-clad the existing reception desk and introduced new finishes and banquette seating.  The existing sandwich bar was very poor causing tenants to get their own sandwich deliveries, which was not a positive arrangement.  A local artisan operator was engaged and a new modern café was created with a generous seating area, directly off the main reception.

This provides a whole new dimension to the space and a communal meeting area for occupants within the building.  We also gave the washrooms a light refurbishment to complete the makeover.

Finally, we added an architectural piece to frame the entrance and provide a greater sense of arrival and distinction to the building’s street presence.