Flexible workspace provider unveils refurbishment of “iconic” Victorian site

Flexible workspace provider Fora has announced the opening of its latest location, Victoria, Greencoat Place.

The transformed development brings 32,400 sq ft of light, bright workspaces for businesses seeking their own private floor. Organisations including Eton Bridge Partners and Virtuo committed to the workspace ahead of completion.

Mario La Pergola, general manager, UK at Virtuo commented: “At Virtuo, we aim to deliver quality service and we recognise this same ambition in the Fora offering. Victoria, Greencoat Place will be an excellent space to grow our business and help to look after our people. We can’t wait to move in!”

The interior design celebrates the building’s “rich history and authentic materiality”, complemented by contemporary features and finishes. The work also enhances sustainable operation through initiatives such as new glazing, a new VRF system and sensor control lighting.

Dating back to the late 19th century, the original building was formerly the warehousing, storerooms and food halls of the “iconic” Army and Navy store. The Squire & Partners and interior designs have reimagined the building with “elegant gestures to its history”.

Works have introduced additional glazing to the façade and a large, Victorian roof light has been restored to flood the space with natural light. The design also preserves the original, glazed and decorative tiles, and brickwork; in keeping with the Victorian warehouses and red-brick, industrial architecture of the area.

Katrina Larkin, co-founder and chief creative officer, Fora said: “It’s a beautiful, fascinating building and has survived a lot through the years, including the blitz bombings of WWII. It was important to us that the workplace embraced the rich, unique heritage of this special place, while providing the best workspace experience for new Residents.”

Tim Gledstone, partner, Squire & Partners added: “The revival of Victoria, Greencoat Place sought to reveal and exploit its rich history and context with modern interventions that complement the existing character and details.

“The result is an optimal and greatly-varied, flexible workspace located in a thriving and accessible part of London, which will create a special experience for Fora’s Residents.”