An office block that had become a blot on the Basingstoke landscape before being taken over and refurbished has made it into the final of a national interior design award.
The 10-storey Grosvenor House in Basing View had been abandoned and fallen into disrepair when Arena took it over.
It was re-opened in October 2023 following an £11m refurbishment and renovation that transformed it into a location offering serviced offices from two to 145 desks to Basingstoke and companies looking for an out-of-London head office.
Now the building, which is home to 34 businesses across five of its 10 floors, has been shortlisted in the Society of British and International Interior Design Awards.
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The awards recognise design excellence across multiple sectors, highlighting outstanding interior designers, product designers, and contractors shaping the industry's future.
Being named a finalist in the 'Office Design Over 2,000 SqM – UK category', Grosvenor House is recognised for the exceptional interior design work carried out through the collaboration between the building's owners and interior designers, Holmes Interiors.
This also complements the architectural vision of Western Design Architects.
Holmes Interiors designed the shared spaces in the building to evoke a high-end, hotel-like atmosphere, where clients would feel proud of their workplace and enjoy an inspiring environment that enhances productivity and creativity.
Holmes designed bespoke furniture, lighting with a wooden ceiling sculptural element, breakout areas, meeting rooms, roof terrace, café, and gym facilities with showers and changing rooms.
Simon West, executive chairman at Arena Offices, said: "We are thrilled to see Grosvenor House recognised as a finalist in the SBID Awards.
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"The SBID Awards celebrate excellence in interior design across a wide range of sectors worldwide, and being named a finalist is a testament to Holmes Interiors’ hard work that went into transforming Grosvenor House’s interior.
“The environment that they have created for our clients in Grosvenor House is exceptional and the end result has been a workplace that is both inspiring and aspirational and truly sets us apart from others in this sector.
"Winning this award would be fantastic for its team and a huge achievement for everyone involved. Voting closes on 11th September, so we have three weeks to help Holmes secure the title it deserves!"
Votes can be cast here: sbidawards.com/award-entries/2024/01-office-design-over-2000-sqm-uk/grosvenor-house.
Winners will be announced at the Royal Lancaster London Hotel on Friday, November 1.
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