Member Article

Pain free expansion underway at health firm’s HQ

Newcastle-based commercial interiors specialist Aptus Fit Out, has been appointed to revamp 34,000 sq.ft of office space at Quorum Business Park on North Tyneside.

The fit-out firm has been instructed by national community health provider Connect Health, to help transform its head office at the Lightbox building.

Connect Health, the UK’s largest independent provider of integrated community MSK (musculoskeletal) and pain services, which announced plans to double the size of its headquarters last month, chose Aptus for the refurbishment project due to its proven track record in the office sector.

Andrew Maisalu, estates project manager at Connect Health, which has already increased its workforce by more than a third in the past year, said: “It’s great to be working with a local company with such experience and expertise as Aptus.

“We’ve been really impressed by the consultative approach taken throughout the design and build process, which allows us to double the size of our office space within budget, and provide an exceptional place of work for our expanding team.”

The 10-week redesign includes a full fit-out of an additional 16,000 sq.ft of space, the creation of a new reception area and alterations to the existing floorplate, all in keeping with the modern feel of the property.

The transformation of Connect Health’s head office is due to be completed in March 2020, at which point Lightbox will become 100% occupied, with neighbours including the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, and Utility Alliance.

Connect Health, which employs around 260 people at its head office and supports in excess of 300,000 NHS patients across 26 clinical commissioning groups and more than 100 businesses, will be able to increase its support infrastructure over the next five years, as a result of the expansion.

Chris Price, commercial director at Aptus added: “It’s been a collaborative process working with Connect Health. They had a very clear understanding of their requirements, so it’s a pleasure to help bring their vision to life, not only aesthetically but also taking into account the design of mechanical, electrical, heating and ventilation elements.

“Connect Health is now planning for substantial growth in resources, people and infrastructure over the next five years, and this space is being created with that in mind.”

Established for more than 12 years, Aptus, based at Hoults Yard, works to provide a thorough service with full project management of schemes for office space, retail, leisure and healthcare. The firm has recently completed the fit-out of Henry Riley’s new Grey Street office and is currently on-site with a six-figure refurbishment at Sage Gateshead.

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