Planning permission secured for a new flexible workspace in Camberley
Client
Projectfive
Architect
C7 Architects
Project Overview
Bell Cornwell have secured planning permission for a flexible workspace facility in Camberley on behalf of our client, Projectfive. The project has seen the change of use of vacant retail floorspace (1765m2) into a coworking facility now known as the ‘Login Business Lounge’.
Login is a modern workspace located across three storeys of The Atrium shopping mall and within the primary shopping area of Camberley’s town centre. The scheme will provide space where local professionals can access a unique state of the art offices and café facility. The scheme has been carefully designed by C7 Architects to reflect Projectfive’s brief and enables local people to work productively when away from their employer’s main offices. Login also provides an alternative workspace to conventional, serviced or home offices for independently working individuals and small business owners. The design comprises coworking spaces and a café on the ground floor with more coworking, meeting rooms and an event space on the first floor. All of this will be a collaborative and modern business environment for remote working in the heart of the community, managed on a membership basis.
The main hurdle during the course of the planning application related to the loss of retail uses within the primary shopping area. However, due to the site’s location alongside an already dynamic mix of uses, combined with the collaborative nature of the facility, Surrey Heath Borough Council approved the proposal. They accepted our case; that the proposal would not adversely impact the function, vitality or viability of the shopping area within Camberley town centre. In fact, users of the space will be in the centre of the town and able to enjoy the local amenities right on their doorstep.
