WORK UNDERWAY ON “SUPER OFFICE” FOR PKF COOPER PARRY

Office News

PKF Cooper Parry is to open a new ‘super office’ in 25,000 sq ft of space at the Pegasus Business Park, Castle Donington, in a property formerly occupied by a subsidiary of the airline BMI.

It represents a major move for PKF Cooper Parry, with its 200 staff switching to the new strategic location from three different sites, bringing its teams together under one roof and enabling future growth. Work is now underway on a bespoke fit-out intended to provide its staff with an inspirational environment which reflects modern working practices.

PKF Cooper Parry is leasing its new headquarters from Commercial Estates Group (CEG), the national property investment and development company which has managed both this property and the adjacent trading estate since these properties were acquired as part of a national portfolio in January 2012.

John Proctor, who leads FHP’s office and industrial team, negotiated the letting on CEG’s behalf. He commented:  “CEG recognised the strategic importance and strength of the East Midlands Airport as a business location when they originally acquired the property.

“From the outset it was planned that the property, which was originally built in the early 1990s, would be extensively refurbished to provide Grade A office space. Securing the interest of PKF Cooper Parry at such an early stage has enabled their specific requirements to be incorporated into the main refurbishment project.”

Antonia Martin-Wright, investment manager at CEG, said: “A letting of this size shows improved market sentiment – this is the third letting within 12 months since our involvement with the site which is testament to the quality of accommodation and attractiveness of the estate.”

The project to amalgamate PKF Cooper Parry’s three current sites in Nottingham, Derby and Leicester into the new ‘super office’ has also involved commercial property consultancy Innes England and Paragon Interiors Group.

Innes England has a long-standing relationship with PKF Cooper Parry and was appointed to help the firm to secure its new premise. Its in-house building consultancy team was also employed to advise on the refurbishment of the building.

Robert Hartley, managing director at Innes England, said: “Having worked with PKF Cooper Parry for many years, I am very pleased to have been able to assist on what is a huge relocation project for the business.

“Moving three offices to one location is a challenge and it was essential to find the right premises for the company’s needs. This property offers the space and spec the firm was looking for in an ideal location, mid-way between the three previous offices and just off J24 of the M1.”

Nottingham-based Paragon Interiors Group will manage the office refurbishment and fit out of the new office.  Managing director Alan Hardy said: “We have worked very closely with the team at PKF Cooper Parry to develop a theme which will define the look and feel of the new office. We felt that a Google-style workplace with bright and bold colours would not only reflect the new branding but also bring the company’s dynamic culture to life.”

The new office will include themed meeting rooms on the ground floor as well as a modern and airy café and informal break-out work spaces for team members ‘on the go’. The first floor will accommodate all partners and employees in an open plan environment which will enable teams to easily and comfortably interact.

Jeremy Bowler, chairman, of PKF Cooper Parry, said: “There’s been so much planning involved in the move, it is very exciting to reach the next stage and see activity start on site. We are very thankful to the organisations we are working with who are helping us bring our vision for a bigger and stronger PKF Cooper Parry to fruition.”