Case Studies: Springboard

The Pitt Building is rich in history, having originally opened its doors in 1833. Over the past 20 years, it has established itself as one of Cambridge’s premier conference venues.

Optrys was tasked with two refurbishment projects at The Pitt Building. The first involved updating the first floor, which consists of three rooms requiring modernisation. The second project focused on the ground floor, an expansive area featuring modular furniture, where all the chairs needed replacing; the original chairs were supplied by Optrys two decades ago. 

The Pitt Building boasts a sophisticated meeting and conference room facility. Given the significant changes in the market over the past 20 years, the centre's management recognised the importance of standing out in the fiercely competitive landscape of meeting and conference spaces in the heart of Cambridge. It was essential to stay ahead of the competition by offering high-quality facilities that not only distinguished themselves but also honoured the historic character of the building.

The University of the Third Age (U3AC) is a charitable organisation dedicated to educating senior, often retired, members of society – those in the third ‘age’ of life. Its members relish the opportunity to learn for the sake of learning, with courses following the traditional academic calendar that commences in October.

The Challenge

The client faced two main challenges: the need for expanded office space and the impending expiry of their lease.

After exploring alternative premises in Cambridge, they opted to remain in their current location and utilise the upstairs area. Additionally, the building was in need of a cosmetic update, as it appeared somewhat worn.

The Solution

The upstairs office space, previously occupied by other tenants, was transformed into a second floor for U3AC. The renovation process began prior to the onset of Covid-19, but the client was eager to proceed regardless; this required a high degree of flexibility, and fortunately, the client facilitated a smoother transition.

We incorporated two additional meeting rooms, ensuring that all spaces featured openable windows to improve ventilation and accommodate air conditioning. The necessity for a larger area soon became apparent, leading us to integrate considerations for social distancing throughout both the planning and implementation phases.

Our team of specialists is equipped to provide guidance on every facet of your fit-out, refurbishment, and relocation project.

Each member of our experienced team, whether a project manager, designer, surveyor, or construction expert, is highly skilled in their respective field. We collaborate exclusively with trusted partners to guarantee that your business continues to operate as efficiently as possible during the fit-out, refurbishment, or relocation process.