During 2006 we prepared for our Head Office move from Cornwall Terrace London NW1, to York House London W1 in Spring 2007.
A Relocation Committee was formed to coordinate the process and keep employees fully informed and consulted. This Committee is chaired by Peter Clarke, Executive Officer. It consists of senior managers and executives:
- Anthony Braine, Group Secretary
- Michael Gunston, Chief Surveyor
- Nigel Webb, Head of Developments
- Peter Earl, Group Head of Information Systems
- Stella Spence, Administration Manager.
To ensure that York House meets the needs of our people, the Relocation Committee has consulted with employees and external experts. Experts consulted included Acuity, a facilities management company, and Pringle Brandon, a design consultancy.
Employees have been updated about progress through newsletters providing information on issues, such as space planning and design. A new section on the British Land Portal provides employees with access to newsletters, a live web cam of the development, floor plans and a blog about the move by the Head of Asset Management. A number of ‘Bin it days’ have helped people to recycle unnecessary files and papers.
We also consulted them on various features of the new offices including printing, faxing and telephone requirements, as well as the chairs and desks they will use. The Relocation Committee arranged for samples to be displayed in the current Head Office. They then discussed these with groups of employees, before selecting the most appropriate chairs and desks. During December 2006 tours of York House were organised to discuss seating and operational arrangements, such as where reception, stationery and staff break out areas will be located.
The fit out of the property has been guided by the British Land Sustainability Brief for Developments. Nearly £500,000 has been invested in corporate responsibility measures, including using only Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified timber, installing cycle racks, showers, energy metering and water mains metering.
The Information Systems team is reviewing how to improve environmental performance in our new Head Office. IT and audio visual equipment that is not being taken to the new Head Office will be recycled. Corporate responsibility will be a decision making factor in the selection of preferred IT suppliers. There will not be a server room which will reduce the need for air conditioning. The team is also reviewing how to reduce the amount of printing.
In 2006 an independent review was carried out for all employees, mapping their travel routes to the new Head Office. A comprehensive Travel Plan was developed for York House to reduce the number of individual car journeys and encourage the use of sustainable means of transport. It will be published in 2007.
