When Cumberland Council set out to utilise a Heritage building in Cleator Moor into a modern coworking space, they needed an M&E partner who could navigate the complexities of working within such a structure. PSA was brought on board from the earliest stages to help deliver the Phoenix Enterprise Centre, a project that required careful balance between preserving the building’s character and meeting contemporary workspace needs.
LOCATION: Cleator Moor, Cumbria
VALUE: £1.7m
COMPLETED: 2025
SERVICES: Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
The main challenge lay in passing modern services through an existing structure without compromising its integrity. Through close collaboration with the design team and contractor, we found solutions that respected both the building’s history and the client’s vision. The result is a flexible workspace that honours its past whilst providing the facilities today’s businesses need, ready to welcome its first tenants in early 2026.
CLIENT OBJECTIVES
Cumberland Council’s aim was to create a coworking environment that would support local businesses whilst preserving one of Cleator Moor’s historic buildings. The Heritage status meant that any interventions needed to be carefully considered and sympathetic to the original structure. They wanted an M&E consultant involved from Stage 1 through to completion, ensuring that building services were integrated into the design process from the outset.
The space needed to function as a modern workplace with reliable heating, ventilation, lighting and power, plus the flexibility to accommodate different tenants with varying needs. Sustainability was important, with a requirement for solar PV to reduce the building’s environmental impact. Above all, the services needed to sit comfortably within the heritage setting, avoiding visual clutter or inappropriate interventions that would detract from the building’s character.
OUR SOLUTION
We worked alongside Day Cummins architects and Thomas Armstrong Construction from the initial stages, which meant we were onboard to advise early on about service routes before construction began. The biggest challenge was finding pathways for cables, ducts and pipework through a structure that wasn’t designed with modern services in mind. Every route required discussion with the architect to identify the most sympathetic option that wouldn’t damage significant features. We spent time on site understanding where beams, joists and structural elements would allow us to thread containment through the building.
Our design covered:
- Complete lighting and power distribution throughout the workspace
- Heating and ventilation systems suited to a flexible coworking environment
- Data infrastructure to support modern connectivity needs
- Solar PV panels to reduce running costs and environmental impact
The process required ongoing dialogue with the architect to ensure our technical solutions aligned with their aesthetic aspirations for the space.
THE OUTCOME
The Phoenix Enterprise Centre was delivered on time and within budget, meeting the client’s expectations for both functionality and appearance. The building services sit discreetly within the historic fabric, providing modern workplace amenities without overwhelming the building’s character. The space is scheduled to welcome its first tenants at the beginning of 2026, offering Carlisle’s business community a workspace that combines heritage charm with contemporary facilities.
Photos Courtesy of : Home – Phoenix Enterprise Centre
