Legal & General has submitted plans for new office space in Cambridge’s The Grafton in partnership with flexible workspace provider x+why. The 15,000 sq ft space will combine two former retail units to create the shopping centre’s first offices.
Forward thinking design will include a further 8,000 sq ft “The Galleries” level, incorporating two former restaurants, which will be dedicated to break out areas, event spaces, and fun.
The new serviced workspace will not only feature private offices catering for teams but also open-topped desk pods for start-ups, entrepreneurs and agile workers.
The new workspace will repurpose spare retail units to meet demand for offices in Cambridge and encourage footfall to The Grafton and surrounding area.
Tom Williams, fund manager at Legal & General said: “Repurposing excess retail space into alternative uses that change the rhythm of the asset is at the heart of the business plan. We are excited to be able to meet the rising demand for offices and champion retail at the same time.
“As retail continues to evolve, the new unit at The Grafton will help encourage footfall by putting potential customers on retailers’ doorsteps five days a week, whilst giving Cambridge-based businesses a functional, well-designed space to grow.”
Rupert Dean, co-founder and CEO of x+why said: “We’re thrilled to be designing a flexible, serviced space that will cater to the needs of a variety of organisations and entrepreneurs and the ever-changing world of work. As Cambridge continues to attract new and established businesses and workers travel less, we’re excited to play our part in meeting the demand for new workspace. Repurposing The Grafton unit is not without its challenges, but we are determined to limit our environmental impact by making use of a space that already exists.
