Member Article

Sunderland's Berghaus completes HQ refurbishment

Sunderland-based outdoor firm Berghaus has completed a refurbishment of its headquarters, a project which began in early 2014.

This is the first full refurbishment of the retailer’s headquarters since its construction in 1999. After signing a new 13 year lease, the company decided to make improvements to both floors of the building.

Products are not manufactured or warehoused in the Berghaus headquarters, although all design and development work takes place on site.

The building houses a product and materials testing laboratory, pattern cutting and sample room, and facilities for the team of clothing, footwear, rucksacks and accessories designers.

HR director, Sarah Middleton led the project with regular input from representatives of departments across the business. Interior design work and planning was managed by Katie Greenyer, creative director at fellow Pentland brand Red or Dead, with the work completed by a series of contractors.

Facilities on the two floors include: product showrooms, staff dining room, meeting and conference facilities, and showers and changing rooms.

Richard Leedham, Berghaus brand president, said: “This has been a major project for Berghaus and has had an impact on everyone who works for the business. The team has coped extremely well with any disruption and we are delighted with the final outcome.

“Here in North East England, we now have a world-class headquarters where we can continue to design and develop some of the best outdoor products on the planet. As Berghaus heads towards its 50th birthday in 2016, we have an excellent base from which to plan for the next 50 years.”