Challenge accepted

LOOK & FEEL

Helping to create a contemporary, modern look and feel – commercial grade Moduelo flooring was used throughout the refurbishment. Terazzo flooring features in the reception area and Herringbone in all the other revamped areas including the meeting rooms, which can be used by co-workers, resident clients and hired by external organisations.

The three meeting rooms, including The Turing and The Ridley (named in a nod to nearby Bletchley Park, historic home to the WW2 code breakers) can accommodate six to eight people or eight to 10 delegates respectively, with the Sherwood Suite suitable for 20 people. All were refitted from floor to ceiling.

Farrow & Ball’s elephant’s breath paint adorns the walls and new artwork and furniture was installed, along with acoustic wall panelling and TV screens for presentations. The largest meeting room also includes Logitec video conferencing, complete with a microphone and camera with voice recognition capabilities.

A new café serving drinks and food was a welcome addition as part of the overhaul which also included a Snug area, complete with banquette seating for more relaxed, informal meetings or a quiet place to work.

Johal explained: “The café is managed by Really Awesome Coffee and serves great food and specials throughout the working week. The open plan area enhances the new reception space which we wanted to make more welcoming with a homely feel throughout.”

The team decided to gut and repurpose a previous office resulting in The Lounge, a large open space with various working pods, spaces to meet or make calls – along with a pool table. This vibrant breakout space is also used to host the new Social Circle MK networking initiative at Challenge House, which attracts business leaders from across the region.

Supporting the community is important to the team at Challenge House which is why they also provide the space free of charge to two local mental health groups The Lodge and The Man Cave, who host weekly evening meetings at the location, which also benefits from providing extensive free car parking for visitors and clients.

ONE SIZE DOESN’T FIT ALL

As companies continue to diversify and workplace requirements and practices post pandemic continue to change, Challenge House has evolved to offer a “design your own office” service. Tailored to meet the bespoke design and IT requirements of business clients, this ensures the team at Challenge House collaborates with companies opting to tailor their serviced workspace to best suit the needs of their teams.

Bradley Nurthen, Group Managing Director of Fresh Medical Group Ltd, said: “Fresh Medical Group wanted a workspace at Challenge House that felt welcoming and worked for our fast-paced healthcare recruitment team. We needed an open-plan area for easy collaboration, private rooms for confidential calls with candidates or clients, and quiet spots for focused tasks like compliance or doctor revalidation.

“High-speed internet and slick AV gear were a must for cloud-based tools and virtual interviews, while the location near Milton Keynes’ transport links and ample parking made it super convenient for staff and visitors. Flexible layouts and budget-friendly choices like modular furniture allowed us to adapt the space as the business grows without overspending.”

The fit out prioritised natural light, plants, and comfy breakout areas to boost team mood and reduce stress in a high-energy environment. Movable furniture and casual hangout zones supported hybrid work and team bonding, creating a space that’s both practical and inviting.

Nurthen added: “Designing our own office space has had a positive impact on the team and the business. Having the freedom to shape the workspace means you can make it both functional and fun, which boosts morale, productivity, and creativity.”

CO-WORKING COMMUNITY

With the rise of the co-working community Challenge House also overhauled its popular 1,000 sq ft area assigned for co-worker clients.

Its co-working membership rates allow service users to pay for an equipped workspace only when it is required, offering flexibility for professionals needing to navigate any potential future commercial challenges.

Manvir said: “Challenge House clients like the flexibility and scalability we offer, as our serviced offices provide the option to upgrade or downsize their space, alongside the comprehensive support we provide in terms of cleaning and maintenance and upkeep.

“The refurbishment demonstrated how we are reinvesting in their working environments to provide a place that is professional, functional but also relaxing, inspirational and homely at the same time.”

Post pandemic has seen drastic changes to working lives. With people transitioning from work from home situations to a workspace, having been accustomed to being in a more homely environment while working, can take adjustment.

Manvir explained: “That was the basis, thinking and inspiration behind the transformative refurbishment. If you could come to work but also feel like you were at home, then that transition is going to be much easier.”

Johal added: “We have aimed for a homely feel throughout the transformation. We are a great option for coworking as our rooms are air-conditioned, accessible and comfortable. You have a designated desk and lockable pedestal if you want to leave files overnight.

“It shows our clients we are creating facilities that not every serviced office has. Whether you are a marketing co working professional or want to record some content in our new Podcast Room, all those options are available onsite.”

For more information visit https://landmarkoffices.co.uk/locations/milton-keynes-offices/