The Workington Innovation Centre is a £12 million, four-storey new build office development constructed on a brownfield site. PSA delivered a comprehensive mechanical and electrical design package, working collaboratively with Morgan Sindall Construction and PK Engineering throughout the project. Our design incorporated adaptable power solutions, sustainable energy features and advanced climate control systems to create a flexible workspace for future tenants. Using Revit BIM coordination, we effectively managed the complex integration of services within floor and ceiling spaces, working closely with the installation team to solve technical challenges as they arise.
CLIENT: Cumberland Council
LOCATION: Workington, Cumbria
VALUE: £12m
SERVICES: Mechanical & Electrical Design and Onsite Duties
RIBA STAGES: 4 & 5
CLIENT OBJECTIVES
Cumberland Council required a modern innovation hub that would attract high-quality start-ups and foster growth in advanced manufacturing and technology sectors. The four-storey centre needed to deliver 19,600 sq ft of versatile space including meeting rooms, workspaces, conference facilities and catering amenities. As part of a broader £23.1 million Town Deal initiative, this development aimed to revitalise a brownfield site while addressing the local shortage of entrepreneurial support facilities and premium office accommodation.
The council sought a building with future-ready infrastructure that could adapt to evolving tenant requirements while maintaining energy efficiency. The design needed to support Oxford Innovation Space’s operational model for nurturing growing businesses within a collaborative environment.
OUR SOLUTION
PSA delivered a complete mechanical and electrical design package through stages 4 and 5, working within a Design and Build contract framework alongside Morgan Sindall Construction and PK Engineering.
Our solution required development based on Stage 3 information, providing further detailed design and coordination, including:
- Comprehensive electrical design including lighting and power distribution
- Renewable energy generation through photovoltaic solar panels
- Raised adaptable flooring with underfloor trunking
- Innovative Busbar trunking providing continuously live power that can be reconfigured
- Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) heating and cooling systems
- Dedicated energy centre housing the building’s electrical infrastructure and external VRF condensers
- Full Revit BIM coordination to manage complex service integration
The space for services required meticulous coordination around castellated steels, which we achieved through detailed 3D modelling. Our team maintained a regular on-site presence, collaborating closely with PK Engineering to address technical queries and implementation challenges throughout the construction process.
THE OUTCOME
The completed innovation centre delivers a highly adaptable workspace designed to nurture growing businesses in advanced manufacturing and digital technology. Our M&E solutions provide the flexibility needed for diverse tenant requirements while supporting energy efficiency goals.
The close working relationship between PSA, Morgan Sindall and PK Engineering ensures technical challenges were resolved efficiently, maintaining the project schedule despite complex service coordination requirements. The finished building contributes significantly to Workington’s economic development strategy, creating valuable infrastructure for future business growth.
Image courtesy of: Buttress Architect
