Castle Quay

Client

Cherwell District Council

Castle Quay

Banbury

Size

30,500 ft²

Type

CAT B

Sector

Duration

30 weeks

Features

Two empty retail units, one future-ready HQ

This 30,500 ft² design and build project transformed vacant retail space at Castle Quay, Banbury into a modern, connected HQ. Enabling Cherwell District Council to bring its new ways of working to life.

Brief

New setting, new approach

The council was relocating from an ageing,out-of-town building and needed more than a new address. The brief called for a fully flexible, activity-based workplace. The space needed to include open-plan desks with a booking system, generous areas for meetings and informal breakouts, and purpose-built council chamber facilities for members.

Approach

Delivering in a live environment

‍The shopping centre stayed fully open throughout, which made careful planning and coordination essential. We phased the works to minimise disruption - keeping construction safe while protecting the experience for visitors, retailers and staff.

Overcoming complex challenges

Installing a new connecting bridge was one of the project's most complex tasks. We delivered it outside trading hours, with detailed logistics and close collaboration to complete the work safely in a busy public space.

‍

Connecting the workplace

The completed bridge brought two previously separate areas together, creating a more cohesive, efficient workplace. By improving connectivity and circulation, the design supports collaboration and helps people move seamlessly through the space.

"Our new HQ is designed to meet the future needs of a modern, forward-thinking council, with running costs & environmental impact greatly reduced"

David Hingley

/ CDC Leader

Cherwell District Council

Features

Activity-based working

Open-plan desks with a booking system sit alongside a wide range of informal breakout and meeting spaces. So staff have the freedom to choose how and where they work each day.

Council chamber facilities

Purpose-built council chamber and meeting facilities give elected members a professional, well-equipped environment. It’s a focal point for civic life at the heart of this new HQ.

Connecting footbridge

The new first-floor footbridge between the two units is more than a practical link - it unifies the building and creates a sense of arrival and movement through the space.

Built to last

New windows, doors, roof covering, lift, lighting and full M&E systems mean the building is future-proofed. It’s a solid, well-maintained asset the council can rely on for years to come.

Details

Muted, nature-inspired tones run throughout the scheme. A modern palette that brings the outside in and feels considered without competing with the building's civic purpose.

Furniture Selection

Haiken Noti

Soundroom Phone Booth

Moventi

Toto Chair

Moventi

Hyde Modular Booth System

Moventi

Ava Stool

Ocee

Fourlikes Modular Sofa

Moventi

Archie Laptop Table

Sedus

Seliving Armchair

Spacestor

Portico

Gallery

Similar Projects

Northeastern University

Devon House

London

44,000 ft²

CAT B

This 44,000 ft², two-phase fit-out brought to life Northeastern University's first campus outside North America. Set in Devon House, St Katharine Docks, it won Project of the Year at Mixology 2023.

30,000 ft² and above

CAT B

order number

Have a project in mind? 
Let’s work together

Great projects start with great relationships. Fill out the form and a member of our team will get right back to you.

+44 (0)20 7407 2390

info@workplace-creations.co.uk

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy. Terms of Service apply.