Move forms part of ‘million-pound UK studio strategy’

Broadway Malyan has relocated its Reading operations to a RIBA award winning tower in the centre of town as part of a wider strategy for its UK studios.

The practice has signed a lease in Thames Tower, near Reading station, which was originally constructed in the 1970s but was stripped back to its concrete frame and refurbished to plans by DN-A Architects.

The scheme completed last year and won both a 2018 RIBA South Award and a RIBA Sustainability Award 2018. Barton Willmore designed the original structure, in conjunction with engineers Clarke Nicholls Marcel.

Thames Tower in Reading, remodeled by DN-A Architects

Source: DN-A Architects

Thames Tower in Reading, remodeled by DN-A Architects

Broadway Malyan UK chair Ian Apsley said that in addition to moving its Reading operations from an edge-of-town location, the practice had renewed the lease on its Birmingham base – adding a new dedicated modelling workshop in the process, and was poised to relocate its London studio to a new “standalone” base.

“We are currently looking at options for a new larger studio space in Manchester, reinforcing our commitment to two of the UK’s most exciting cities and providing the practice with a spine of studios that allows us to service clients across the UK,” he said.

Broadway Malyan said the Reading move was part of a £1m investment in its studio “strategy”.

Its new Reading home on the fifth floor of Thames Tower has 48 work stations and space for a further six flexible-working areas. The office fit-out was designed by the practice and delivered by Overbury.

Thames Tower before DN-A Architects' remodeling. The building dates back to 1972 and was originally known as Foster Wheeler House

Thames Tower before DN-A Architects’ remodeling. The building dates back to 1972 and was originally known as Foster Wheeler House