Modern offices can often be functional but soulless buildings – the employees may be comfortable, but will they feel creative? Can they be inspired by their surroundings?
9 Rue Funchal offers an attractive yet practical solution – the refurbishment of the former warehouse in central St Helier incorporates the fittings required in a contemporary office, but not at the expense of the listed building’s plentiful Victorian charm.
The three floors, totalling 1,200 sq ft, are available to lease separately, in combinations or in their entirety. Each space is open plan in design, with wooden floors, plentiful natural light and perimeter trunking which is both discreet and practical – incorporating category 5 and 6 cabling.
MODERN OFFICES CAN OFTEN BE FUNCTIONAL BUT SOULLESS BUILDINGS – THE EMPLOYEES MAY BE COMFORTABLE, BUT WILL THEY FEEL CREATIVE? CAN THEY BE INSPIRED BY THEIR SURROUNDINGS?
Many original features remain, including ceiling beams and girders, natural brickwork and full-length windows on the top two floors. These elements are embraced as part of the project – the windows have wrought iron guards and can be opened and secured with bolts and sailing ropes, while the stairs are fitted with steel treads and iron bannisters.
The building, which includes standard and disabled toilets and a kitchenette, opens onto a secluded interior courtyard with appropriate outdoor furniture providing an opportunity to hold an al fresco meeting or enjoy a lunchtime breather. Bicycle hooks are provided, and there is a large ground-floor cupboard available to house IT equipment.
The ground floor office has 280 sq ft of space, interior window shutters and an original arched doorway. The first floor is a little bigger, at 370 sq ft, while the second floor has high ceilings in the eaves of the building and is the largest area at 560 sq ft, including a quirky mezzanine area above the stairwell.
With rates starting at £200 per week, the warehouse is available to rent on 12-month leases, with three months’ notice required thereafter. Cleaning services and water bills are included, leaving just electricity bills and rates to be covered, while radiators will be fitted once the occupiers have confirmed the preferred lay-out of their offices.
Developer Beach Holdings used Ray Wilkinson Builders as the main contractors for the project.
