Fletcher Priest Architects designed and delivered a cutting-edge workspace for British Land's flexible office space provision that forms part of a sensitive refurbishment and refit of 155 Bishopsgate. The 2,100 sqm workplace was designed in response to the increasing requirement for flexible workspace in the City. Existing volumes found in the wider refurbishment of 155 Bishopsgate led to a likeness to theatre design, with tall spaces described by draping fabrics, soft divisions and dramatic lighting. This narrative formed the basis of the design used throughout the 155 Bishopsgate refurbishment and subsequently inspired the design of Storey.

For Storey, the flexible rentable work areas, like theatre sets, are easily changeable to meet the particular needs of the occupier. Demountable partitioning allows the space to adapt quickly to tenants’ fluctuating requirements enabling space to expand as tenants grow. A series of functional modules within each workplace compartment support the people working in them: tea points, a mixture of collaborative space both open and enclosed in addition to much-needed focus space.

Tenant suites wrap the central shared space, which - like the stage - forms the heart of Storey promoting collaboration and cross-fertilisation of ideas amongst occupiers. Fletcher Priest designed Storey to respond to the increasing demand for spaces that encourage collaboration and connection, bringing people back to the workspace while offering occupiers enhanced flexibility. The rise of online meetings has resulted in more technology-enabled focus rooms and an increase in the variety of breakout spaces.

At Storey’s core is a 400 sqm space designed to accommodate this new way of working, incorporating collaborative space with tea points and hybrid-enabled meeting rooms and phone rooms for individual working. The space features elements of biophilic design, including integrated planters within the built-in seating and counters, which help to create semi-private spaces for a more intimate experience.

Storey was 100% pre-let and occupied by a single tenant within days of completion.