Designs on success for Chetwoods as it moves into new era

The Leeds-based practice, which also has offices in Birmingham, London and Dubai, has taken a five-year lease on the sixth floor penthouse of the listed Marshall’s Mill development in Leeds, relocating from its previous office on part of the third floor.

The 12-strong team in Leeds has designed both small bespoke projects and large complex schemes in a variety of sectors including office, residential, education, retail and commer- cial.

Over the last few months it has expanded into the refurbishment sector and was involved in the redesign of its new office space as part of the renovation of the Grade II listed mill building.

The firm, which has been based at Marshall’s Mill since 2006, has been commissioned by developer Igloo to design two phases of the mill’s refurbishment.

The first phase, which focused on the internal works is now complete and it has now secured approval for phase two of the works at Marshall’s Mill, which is due to start in the new year and will involve external renovations.

Simon Baker, director of the Leeds office, said: “Despite the economic challenges we’re all facing, I believe that 2012 will be a strong yet challenging year for us, as we look to take stability from our existing portfolio and to diversify into the refurbishment market.”

The firm is currently working on a number of refurbishment projects and is on site with a data centre in Buttershaw, Bradford; undertaking a feasibility study for a bird hide and visitors’ centre at Toplow Hill nature reserve, both for Yorkshire Water, as well as a feasibility study for the extension and improved accessibility of Leeds College of Music’s existing concert hall and support spaces.