Exton Estates – Queens Road, Brighton

Exton Estates set out to reposition 42 Queens Road as a highly desirable, future ready workplace destination in the heart of Brighton. The brief covered the full building, from street presence and reception through to Cat A and Cat A+ workspaces, shared facilities and an external terrace.

The challenge lay in delivering a cohesive refresh across multiple floors within a live building environment. BBC Radio Sussex remained the sole tenant throughout the programme, meaning works needed to be carefully planned and coordinated to avoid disruption to daily broadcasting, while still maintaining pace and quality on site.

Alongside operational constraints, the project needed to meet ambitious sustainability targets, improving the building’s performance to achieve EPC A ratings across the upper floors.

Working as Exton Estates’ preferred partner, we took a highly collaborative and considered approach from the outset. A phased programme allowed us to work floor by floor, carefully sequencing activities to minimise disruption while keeping momentum across the wider site.

Close coordination with the on site team and existing tenant was central to the project’s success. Regular communication ensured works were aligned with operational requirements, while clear planning enabled swift decision making as the project progressed.

Design development focused on creating a consistent experience throughout the building, balancing fresh contemporary finishes with respectful nods to existing architectural features.

The refurbishment delivered a complete transformation of the building, inside and out. A refreshed reception now creates a welcoming arrival experience for tenants and visitors, supported by improved wayfinding and upgraded common areas throughout.

The second floor Cat A+ space was fully fitted to provide immediate occupation, with a design informed by the warmth and texture of the exposed concrete soffit. Greige tones, layered materials and considered furniture selection create a characterful yet flexible working environment.

On the third and fourth floors, new Cat A spaces were created with upgraded ceilings, lighting and teapoints, offering a strong platform for future tenant fit outs. Shared facilities were significantly enhanced with refreshed WCs, new showers and secure bike storage, supporting modern working patterns.

Externally, the building was given a bold new street presence through a full façade refresh, new branding and signage, while the rear terrace was transformed into a functional outdoor amenity with seating, landscaping and cycle facilities.

Across the upper floors, targeted improvements to services and fabric successfully delivered EPC A ratings, futureproofing the asset and supporting long term sustainability goals.

42 Queens Road has been repositioned as a contemporary, high quality workplace offering within Brighton’s commercial landscape. The refreshed interiors, improved facilities and strong external identity have significantly enhanced the building’s appeal to prospective tenants.

Exton Estates now benefits from a more competitive, sustainable and flexible asset, designed to meet the expectations of modern occupiers while strengthening the building’s presence on one of the city’s key streets.