WD-40, 252 The Square, Milton Keynes has been recognised as one of the best workplaces in the Midlands and Central England at the annual British Council for Offices’ (BCO) regional awards. This year, the prestigious event was held virtually as part of the BCO’s Festival Awards Week, which recognises the highest quality developments in the UK and sets the standard for excellence in the regional and national office sector.
WD-40, 252 The Square in Milton Keynes has been awarded the Best Fit Out of Workplace. An office building located in the town’s business district; 252 The Square has cemented itself as the new home for WD-40 in the UK. Reflecting the business’ values of collaboration and teamwork, the office space has created a sense of togetherness by roofing over the open courtyard and creating a central space that has become the building’s most defining feature. The health and wellbeing of employees has been carefully considered in the design, with an on-site gym and changing facilities, a café and covered cycle parking. The new atria and roof light also deliver an impressive level of natural daylight into the building, which the judges felt helped to create an uplifting workspace for colleagues.
Rob van Zyl, building services partner at Cundall and chair of the Midlands & Central England judging panel commented:
“This year’s entrants demonstrate that agile working has come of age, and WD-40, 252 The Square is no exception. What was initially a move towards cramming more people into less space through ‘hotdesking’ has now evolved into something that is clearly more focused on the health and wellness of occupiers. It is also encouraging to see accelerating trends towards sustainability, efficiencies in energy consumption and the use of natural shapes, materials and plants. All across Britain, the office sector now possesses more knowledge on how to create a healthy and productive office than ever before and is making informed design decisions to an outstanding effect.”
Danny Parmar, chairman of the BCO Midlands & East Anglia committee added:
“Many congratulations to WD-40 for being awarded the Best Fit Out of Workplace. This was one of several outstanding entries in this year’s BCO regional awards programme and reflects both the strength of our sector and the increasing demands placed upon it to deliver market-leading work environments.”
Today’s ceremony marked the 12th year of the BCO Regional Awards dedicated to the Midlands and Central region. Held online, the ceremony was a virtual first for the BCO, but still involved all the usual excitement that makes up the in-person ceremony. Guests were able to network, celebrate with friends and watch a live ceremony, presented by the BBC’s former Chief Political Correspondent, John Sergeant to recreate the magic of the traditional awards ceremony.
Winners from the Midlands and Central England will compete with those from other regions at the BCO Virtual National Awards on Tuesday 26 January 2021.
Other workplaces across the Midlands and Central England that received recognition include:
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Colmore Building: Interface, The Greenhouse (Best Project up to 1,500m²)
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50/60 Station Road, Cambridge (Best Commercial Workplace)
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Prof. Lord Bhattacharyya Building, Warwickshire (Innovation Award)
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KMB Tachbrook Park (Best Recycled / Refurbished Workplace)
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British Sugar HQ, Peterborough (Best Corporate Workplace)
The BCO Awards will continue next year in 2021, with entries opening on Wednesday 7 October and closing Friday 27 November 2020.
For more information on the awards and applications, visit the BCO website (www.bco.org.uk).
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