Sheffield Technology Parks is home to some of the most innovative digital companies in the region as well as professional support services.
And home for Sheffield Technology Parks (STP) is an iconic office building with a period frontage which needed updating on the inside to reflect recent trends such as the rise in coworking.
STP boss Tom Wolfenden admitted the previous layout and design of their HQ – based on Arundel Street next to the Sheffield Hallam University building – had left them ‘behind the curve’ when it came to modern workplaces and practices.
Over to The DL Company, alongside an architect, installing a whole host of features, furnishings and fittings – and brought the building bang up-to-date.
Established in 1974, The DL Company has three generations of family, dedicated and loyal people behind the Brightside company which bills itself as the go-to for commercial interiors, from office furniture to full redesign and refurbishment.
Take a look before, during and after at the new-look STP base:
Before
During 
After 
The project manager’s view
DL Managing Director Daniel Lowe said: “The previous layout was a set of separate meeting rooms, which was the style at the time.
“The new-look is much more open plan and opening it up has made it much lighter.
“Several small glass booths have been created to offer smaller, more private spaces, for people to take phone calls or have one-to-one meetings, while remaining in an open plan environment. It is now much more accessible, however private rooms are still available for larger, more formal meetings.
“Finding the balance between the increasingly popular culture of open plan environments, while also offering private spaces is important.
“The new look also means you can appreciate the features of the building more, including the big arch windows and the newly exposed brickwork. We chopped the plaster off walls to expose the brickwork which is very fashionable and STP were lucky enough to already have it, just well hidden!”
The company’s view 
STP centre manager Tom Wolfenden said: “We operate STP on behalf of 30 tenant businesses and held a consultation and took on feedback about the type of space they could make most use of.
“Our building had originally been configured as small individual offices which worked for a long time, but the recent rise in coworking as a model meant we were behind the curve, and the lack of a communal space for our clients to meet and work had started to become problematic.
“Having an open plan space with open doors, lots of glass and windows each side is a real improvement. Plus the exposed brick is very popular – and photogenic!
“The reaction and response has been great. We’ve already hosted four tech meetups, a school visit and had two tenant social events in the space, plus we’ve introduced a start-up business incubation programme which has seen ten people start their digital businesses with us.”
Glass meeting room
Daniel Lowe said: “The glass meeting room was formed using acoustic laminated glass, singled glazed and frameless.
“The panels give a good acoustic performance and it’s very cost-effective as you don’t need double glazed panels to create a meeting room.”
Lobby panel feature
Daniel said: “At the top of the stairs in the stair lobby at STP, a part of the wall has been removed and replaced with glass panels.
“The panels are made of 30-minute fire-resistant glass to offer safety and the impression of space. You can see features through the glass panel – it really brightens up the lobby with light streaming through it.”
Inspired? Get your work space refreshed and revamped:
The DL Company
Address: 20 Jessops Riverside, Brightside Lane, Sheffield S9 2RX
Email: sales@thedlcompany.com
Call: 0114 358 6248
