PROJECT CASESTUDY

Creating a destination workspace for MCS Group

MCS Group, Northern Ireland

Project Size: 11’500 Sq ft
Location: Belfast
Activity: Office Design & CAT A & B Fitout, Furniture
Duration: 16 weeks

PROJECT OVERVIEW

MCS has experienced extensive growth in recent years, and with their ever-expanding team of over 85 staff, they wanted to create a welcoming shared workspace which would accommodate and facilitate both hybrid and collaborative working.

With the company’s increased focus on flexible working, it was imperative that the design enabled staff to have the right space, technology and tools available throughout the office setting to enable agile working practices.

The new workspace was designed to reflect the core values of MCS and to set the standard for office space within the recruitment sector in Northern Ireland.

BUILDING SPEC

The space featured 11,500 sq. ft. of Grade A Shell & Core office space on the 10^th floor of the Ewart building, in the heart of Belfast’s business district.

The goal – to turn this into an engaging destination workspace which supports the team’s continued growth plans and creates an impactful experience and lasting impression on both clients and staff.

The Ewart has been designed to a high quality specification and with a focus on environmental awareness and ESG. The building will be rated as BREEAM Excellent and is Northern Irelands’ first completed new build Office Building to Achieve Wired Score Platinum Certification.

The building featured a four-pipe fan coil mechanical system, which is the first of its kind in any building in Northern Ireland, and consumes less energy, lowers emissions and saves money on running costs.

We installed a full BMS system on the floor so that the M&E equipment could be monitored and regulated. Dimmable lighting was designed and installed into the meeting rooms, to ensure maximum energy efficiency.

FACILITATING FLEXIBLE WORKING

With a variety of working styles, from independent private client consultations, small group collaboration, 1-1 coaching and mentoring and the hosting of events, careful consideration was placed on the design of the workspace to maximise its potential.

A variety of meeting areas in different sizes and styles were implemented throughout the space to effectively utilise space the available space with 1 person pods for privacy, small group interview rooms and open-plan huddle areas.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT

You only get one chance to make a first impression, and the quality of client experience as they enter the space from reception had to reflect the company’s focus on quality and maintaining high standards. The client waiting area and 20-person boardroom are both finished to a very high-quality standard, offering a variety of seating and working options, with breath-taking panoramic views across Belfast, providing the ‘WOW’ factor.

A SOCIAL HUB

The townhall space is at the heart of the new MCS home – a social hub that is highly flexible for a variety of uses, from day-to-day use as a canteen, to internal townhall events, group meetings, and even corporate events.

Our collaboration with MCS has ultimately resulted in creating one of Belfast’s’ most prime Destination workspaces, a place where staff want to come to, and that sets the platform for the ongoing growth and success of MCS Group.