Built environment consultancy relocates after 42 years in South Lakeland town
After 4 decades in converted office spaces in Kendal’s town centre, Curtins have moved to brand new, contemporary and fit-for-purpose premises at the riverside K-Village. The move comes nearly 45 years since Curtins first opened its Kendal office in 1977, during which time the team and its specialisms have grown to offer 7 built environment services.
The new office features a large meeting room with views over the river, modern workspaces, accessible facilities and car parking.
The new office location at Units 24 & 25, K-Village, Lound Road, Kendal, LA9 7FH is just over 5 minutes from the previous spot on Lowther Street. The K-Village workplace will not only provide accommodation for the growing team, but also level access for all – a significant improvement on the 4-storey Lowther Street premises.
Long-standing team member, John Sutcliffe joined the firm as a school leaver in 1979 and can recall the office’s original location at 45 Highgate in Kendal, most recognisable as the space above family-owned Boyes, the homeware store.
The office branch was launched in the 1970s by the Liverpool-based consultancy in response to work developing through the English Industrial Estates Corporation (EIEC). The EIEC were building industrial facilities in rural locations to encourage business growth outside of cities. With prospective developments in Barrow-In-Furness and other parts of Cumbria, Curtins took the opportunity to set up an office in Kendal and make use of the countryside location’s potential. Now, almost 45 years later, the office is firmly rooted in the Cumbrian community and is one of Curtins’ most desirable places to work – set just minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage English Lake District.
Curtins are most well known for their Civil and Structural Engineering services, but can also offer Transport Planning, Environmental, Infrastructure, Geotechnical, Conservation & Heritage and Principal Designer specialisms from Kendal and their network of 13 other offices in the UK and Ireland.
Chief Executive, Rob Melling commented, “The office in Kendal has been long established in Cumbria, allowing us to serve clients across the North West and provide employment opportunities for people wishing to work in the beautiful Lake District location.
“I’m pleased to now share the news of our office expansion. It’s an excellent development for all of us here at Curtins, which will facilitate the continued growth of our business in Cumbria and Lancashire.”
The office is led by director Andy Roberts who took over as office lead in 2013, growing the office from 5 technical staff to a team of 13.
Andy Roberts commented, “Curtins are privileged to be based in the Lake District and we are extremely enthusiastic about working in this unique area.
“Since we opened in Kendal in 1977, we have contributed to some memorable projects across Cumbria, including the National Trust’s Fell Foot Park, a new £30m school in Whitehaven, Cumbria County Council’s new offices in Carlisle and schemes at Glaxosmithkline and BAE Systems. On all projects, we always use our local knowledge and technical expertise to engineer the best solution available.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to build close relationships with our clients and contributing to a diverse range projects from our new office in K-Village.”
The office can be contacted on 01539 724 823 or [email protected].
