Places for People
case study
Awards we've won
North West Insider Property Awards
2026
Workplace Fit-Out of the Year
“Every space is fantastic. From the auditorium space that we’re in now through to library, the cave, and the social space… they’re all fantastic. The office has a real wow factor
– Richard Turner – Director (Claremont)
”
The vision
Places for People (PfP) came to Claremont seeking a new office space that brought staff across their two existing Preston offices under one roof.
Their vision was to create a space that gives their team a variety of work settings, flexibility, and collaboration spaces as well as spaces for meetings and training facilities. Both sustainability and diversity, inclusion, belonging, and equity (DIBE) played a big part in shaping the vision with PfP wanting all colleagues to feel heard and supported in their new home.
The design
The design concept for the space was split into two – ‘Places’ and ‘People’.
‘Places’ focused on the physical element of the space with particular attention on getaway spaces for calls, meetings or just a moment away from the desk. Creating getaway spaces was key to offering choice and supporting neurodiverse colleagues. Inspired by natural hideaways like dens, hives and cocoons, these areas were designed to provide a sense of privacy and comfort, helping their team recharge and focus when needed. Small focus rooms and a library also provide quiet spaces, perfect for those who need to focus or are sensitive to louder noise levels.
Desks are predominantly housed in an open plan space creating a unified feel to the office though two closed-off areas have also been incorporated for private work. Throughout the office are an array of meeting rooms and furniture that can be used for both formal meetings and as informal collaborative project rooms. Flexible design features are a prominent, including a large training space with foldable walls as well as a secondary meeting and events area with a folding wall and balcony for more formal events. ‘The Cave’ is a unique design element with an informal set up that sits behind tiered seating and works as a meeting space to fill what would have otherwise been dead space.
The ‘People’ element of the design celebrates the team at PfP and the culture they have created. Community and passion are at the heart of everything PfP does and reflecting this in the space was a must.
A ‘Social Heart’ breakout space on the ground floor encourages colleagues to socialise and build connections, with furniture and bespoke joinery designed to support their breakfast club. Throughout the building, additional facilities, such as a wellbeing room, decompression room, prayer room, and showers, further promote colleague wellbeing. Accessibility is factored in at every corner with all tea points and the reception desk built at an accessible level for wheelchair users, walkways made wide, accessible pods and wayfinding throughout the space.
The ‘Enterprise’ space is the focal point of the building and brings the wow factor for colleagues, bringing a real buzz to the office. The space is perfect for events, town halls, and celebrations, whilst also doubling up as a collaborative and creative workspace that provides the perfect backdrop for their ‘Drop the Mic’ show. Designed with the team in mind, the Enterprise gives them a sense of ownership of the new space, boosting wellbeing and creating a sense of belonging.
The final result
The project, from design through to delivery, is a reflection of both PfP and Claremont’s commitment to sustainability.
A significant amount of furniture was reused from other Places for People sites, and 99% of strip-out materials were diverted from landfill and put to reuse.
Recycled materials feature prominently, including wood chips for the ground floor breakfast bar and recycled white goods used for the tiered seating finish. All other materials and finishes were selected for their strong sustainability credentials, such as recycled content, green manufacturing and supply chains committed to net zero.
The project also includes solar panels, EV charging stations and rainwater harvesting to cut carbon emissions and reduce water waste.
The final space is an award winning Destination Office that breaks the mould when it comes to the housing sector. At 37,500 sq ft and built over a 36-week programme, PfP’s new home is the perfect reflection of their people and culture.
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