Legal & General has submitted proposals to turn two empty shops at the Grafton shopping centre in Cambridge into the mall’s first office space.
Flexible workspace provider x+why has agreed to operate the offices, which will feature private spaces for teams as well as open-topped desk “pods” for start-ups and agile workers.
Under the proposals, submitted to Cambridge City Council, two former stores would be combined to provide a 15,000 sq ft space. A further 8,000 sq ft level would incorporate two former restaurants to offer breakout areas, event spaces, a games room and a bar.
The extra level, which will be called “The Galleries”, has been designed by local architectural firm NRAP.
Tom Williams, fund manager at Legal & General, said: “Repurposing excess retail space into alternative uses that change the rhythm of the asset is at the heart of the business plan. We are excited to be able to meet the rising demand for offices and champion retail at the same time.
“As retail continues to evolve, the new unit at The Grafton will help encourage footfall by putting potential customers on retailers’ doorsteps five days a week, while giving Cambridge-based businesses a functional, well-designed space to grow.”
Rupert Dean, co-founder and chief executive of x+why, said: “This project will show that we don’t always need to construct new offices – we can, and should, take purpose-built units and make them function for new uses that benefit surrounding businesses and workers themselves by placing them amongst amenities that promote a healthy work/life balance and encourage less overall travel.”
The Grafton was opened in 1983 and comprises nearly 500,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space. L&G bought The Grafton in 2015 and has since delivered a comprehensive refurbishment.
X+why also has flexible office spaces in Whitechapel, E1, Spitalfields, E1, and Holborn, WC1.
To send feedback, e-mail pui-guan.man@egi.co.uk or tweet @PuiGuanM or @estatesgazette
