Solihull’s new benchmark in office refurbishments is reinvigorating the 9-5 work day

Since pivoting to flexible or remote working during the pandemic, many teams have found they require a more forward-thinking balance between business needs and healthy working lifestyles for their staff. However, with new standards being set in workplace refurbishments, 9-5 culture may be about to take a leap into the future.

AIR is a prime example of this – and is leading the way in Solihull. Recently refurbished by Urbana Partners, the 69,000 sq ft office building has already attracted two major players in the worlds of specialist recruitment and consumer finance, Robert Half and BNP Paribas Personal Finance.

BNP Paribas Personal Finance deputy CEO, Ricardo Mantovani, said: “We understand that people care more than ever about the environment they work in, and our colleagues are no exception.

“Having a modern, flexible workspace that encourages collaboration and connections on both a work and social level is really important. In finding and designing a space that really gives back to the team, we’ve listened to what matters to people. AIR ticks all the boxes and we’re excited to move in early next year.”

Initially popularised in the UK in major cities like London, Birmingham and Manchester, these contemporary refurbs offer on-site gyms, health-spa style shower and changing areas, green terraces, coffee bars and other lifestyle-enhancing facilities.

Adrian Griffith, Principal at Avison Young and joint agent for AIR Solihull, said: “We believe businesses need to meet their staff halfway to have them return to their offices more frequently. AIR not only offers lifestyle and wellness benefits, but it’s also centrally located for more convenient travel. The refurbishments have created a fantastic working environment, implemented with optimum sustainability in mind. Together, these give people the feel-good factor they need.”

Nick Lloyd, Partner in Urbana Partners, the asset management specialists behind AIR, added: “The contemporary refurbishment design was finalised during the latter stages of the pandemic. Consequently, this incorporated a very high level of amenity within the building, including inspirational indoor as well as outdoor workspaces, previously unseen within Solihull and the surrounding areas.”

With the last five years changing many people’s perceptions of what a healthy office space looks like, particularly in hygiene and ventilation, the refurbishment addresses any concerns to offer a working environment everyone can feel safe and comfortable in.

Nick continued: “With further transactions in legals, we look forward to announcing additions to the AIR community in the near future."

Adrian concluded: “Whilst two floors of AIR have now been occupied, there are still spaces remaining should your business want to experience the benefits of these exemplary offices. This is a place that’s making on-site working life a pleasure, rather than a requirement.”

If you’d like to know more about this style of enterprising new workspace, or AIR itself, contact Mark Robinson on 07342 069808 or via mark.robinson@avisonyoung.com, or visit the website.