Claremont Group completes Northern Rail Design and Fit-out

Published on 5 Dec 2006

Northern Rail recently celebrated the opening of its new office facility in York - the third in a planned series of relocations and refurbishments to be carried out for the organisation by Claremont Group Interiors. This represents the latest stage of the cultural change that is sweeping through the dynamic franchise which was formed two years ago, blending the best from Serco and Ned Rail.

York is the second of Northern Rail’s regional offices to be transformed, following on from the smaller premises in Leeds, and preceding work to be undertaken next year in Newcastle and Manchester. Claremont will also carry out a number of upgrades to other facilities throughout the network’s vast property portfolio.

The challenge at York began with feasibility studies carried out on the existing facility along with two other properties. The eventual decision to move was based on financial viability and the need for a transition from cellular office space to open-plan environment, facilitating a more collaborative and friendly working environment for the existing 250 or so staff members.

The new premises were a 1960s office block which was undergoing an external facelift and basic landlord fit-out. Claremont worked in conjunction with the landlord to amend and minimise the costs before delivering a unique tenant fit-out solution. Once on site, the project was fast-tracked with four floors of office space completed in just 12 weeks, handed over fully furnished, air conditioned and with specially-commissioned artwork and graphic branding in place.

In updating Northern Rail’s premises and branding, Claremont was sensitive to the need to retain recognisable elements of the organisation’s history and heritage, whilst simultaneously reflecting the forward-thinking nature of the new combined franchise.

Designer Matt Holmes, of Claremont, commented: "An important factor in developing the new facility was to challenge peoples’ outdated and inaccurate views of a 'staid organisation’ whilst creating something that was unmistakeably Northern Rail."
 
Seamless glass partitions and doors feature throughout, complete with bespoke branding by Bristol-based signage and display specialists, Artworks Solutions Ltd. A series of photos taken by Matt over two days, featuring commuters and railway station scenes were turned into 1.5metre long abstract canvases, contrasting with the otherwise neutral base palette of the scheme.

The reaction from Northern Rail’s staff has been extremely positive. Following understandable initial concerns over the move, the high levels of satisfaction with the end result are testament to the efforts of the rolling programme team, comprising Claremont and Northern Rail Staff.