At shedkm, retrofit has been central to our work for almost three decades, with early commercial reuse projects like Matchworks, Fort Dunlop and Soapworks demonstrating retrofit leadership before the term existed. The case for commercial retrofit is now largely agreed, with broad social, economic, and environmental benefits. However, not all sites have suitable buildings available.
Whether retrofit or new build, regeneration is at the heart of our projects. We consider the whole place – its existing buildings, communities, and untapped potential – then apply simple, resourceful design to unlock people-focused workspaces with lasting value.
Here, we reflect on two projects that demonstrate this thinking: Civic, a retrofit in the North West, and 3 Copper Square, a new build in the South.
civic: revitalising wigan’s distinctive 1970s civic centre
Once under threat from demolition, our retrofit of Wigan civic centre for Capital&Centric and Wigan Council has given new life to a distinctive brutalist landmark.
Having served as the local government hub for 50 years, the redevelopment honors the building’s significance by keeping its distinctive concrete structure intact. Now upgraded, Civic offers flexible workspace, a gym, mini-cinema, and roof terrace (below). A new café (top) acts as a bridge between the commercial and public realm, with spill-out terrace and street planting for public use.
© Capital&Centric
Retrofitting eliminated the need for demolition and lowered materials demand, reducing the embodied carbon impact. Socially, it has kept a culturally significant building in use while creating new value for tenants and the local community.
3 copper square: pioneering construction for net zero brent cross town
3 Copper Square is a 240,000ft2 new build office for Related Argent next to Brent Cross West station. Lacking retrofit potential, the site presented an opportunity for innovation in an area of high demand. Sheffield Hallam university will occupy the first six floors, with commercial tenants above, creating a mutually enriching environment for students and businesses, and bringing economic and cultural vitality to the area.
The building is Europe’s first hybrid cross laminated timber (CLT) structure, combining CLT with structural concrete to reduce embodied carbon by 13% compared to traditional build methods. This demonstrates a pragmatic approach to low carbon delivery that contributes to the client’s net zero goals for the masterplan.
As with the raw aesthetic of existing buildings, here the innovative structure offers an enriched internal environment that is distinctive, warm and comfortable. The extensive use of timber contributes to tenant wellbeing, with acoustic and visual qualities proven to lower cortisol in occupants. Beyond individual building performance, 3 Copper Square shows how innovation can transform neglected industrial landscapes and advance construction typologies, while creating healthy, affordable places for communities to thrive.
leading with whole place principles
Retrofit is rightly a priority, transforming redundant buildings into vital commercial space while meeting carbon targets. Meanwhile areas lacking retrofit potential present opportunities for social and economic transformation through innovative construction methods.
Approaches like 3 Copper Square’s hybrid timber and concrete frame demonstrate viable low-carbon solutions. Building new delivers essential workspace while contributing to user wellbeing and client’s net zero goals.
shedkm’s regional outlook is integral to our workspace approach. Each site presents unique constraints and opportunities – from leveraging heritage stock in established markets to pioneering regeneration in growth areas. Our resourcefulness maximises the inherent value of places – in buildings, people, and ideas – bringing economic and cultural vitality where it’s needed.
get involved
Contact shedkm’s teams across the UK to discuss how we can help deliver your commercial workspace vision, whether through thoughtful retrofit or innovative new build.