[A]fter three months of transformational building development, the work on Burnetts’ new and modern home is entering its final stages.
The law firm which employs 151 people, including more than 100 in Carlisle, will be relocating to new buildings on Wavell Drive at Rosehill Industrial Estate by the end of June 2018.
Burnetts has agreed leases on two adjacent buildings: Victoria House and Hadrian House. Over the last few months, the former fixtures, fittings, flooring and ceilings have been stripped out; both buildings have been completely re-wired; and a new heating and ventilation system has been installed. Within Victoria House, which will be a Welcome Hub for clients, a suite of meetings rooms has been created.
Over the next six weeks, the buildings will be cabled with the latest technology, ensuring optimum speed and reliability; and decorated in contemporary colours before being furnished with high quality, modern furniture.
Work on the creation of a 21st century work-place continues away from the buildings themselves: the negotiation of a new telephony contract; investment in the latest IT equipment, and commissioning of inspirational artworks are just a few of the tasks keeping the firm’s project team busy.
Andrea Thompson, Finance and Administration Manager, is leading Burnetts’ project team. She said, “The partners had a vision of a contemporary, open-plan work-space which would enable communication and collaboration – it’s very exciting to see that vision now taking shape. Having agreed the major elements of the project such as the overall look and feel of the design, the construction; electrical works, telephony and furniture, there remain many other details to finalise. Nonetheless we are now confident that our relocation will be completed by the end of June.”
Burnetts’ HR Manager Helen Dawson said: “This new work-space will involve a big shift in culture so we’ve devoted a lot of time to keeping staff informed to ensure that our teams share the excitement and are really committed to the changes. Our aim is for Burnetts to be the employer of choice in Cumbria with an engaged, productive and happy work-force – a modern and well-designed working environment is essential to achieving that aim.”
Burnetts has been based at Victoria Place in Carlisle since at least the 1940s. During the last five years, the firm has experienced significant growth with a 7% increase in jobs in the last quarter alone.
CBS Fit Out in Lancaster is project managing the design and works of the new building.
For further information visit www.burnetts.co.uk.
