First Company Moves Into Refurbished Anchor House

Alex Jenneson in RFD’s new offices.

IN a letting secured by PPH Commercial, RFD Interior Architecture has become the first company to move into Anchor House at the Maltings in Hull following the completion of an extensive renovation.RFD has expanded its operations by moving from 400 sq ft of offices in Grammar School Yard, Hull, into 1,000 sq ft at Anchor House.

Ben Cooper, PPH Divisional Director, said “We are delighted that the investment and confidence in Hull shown by Catalyst Capital, the owner of Anchor House, has resulted in the first letting and we are confident that many more will follow. With the refurbishment completed, Anchor House is one of the most stunning locations in the city centre, with units available to suit start-ups and much larger organisations.

“We expect a lot of enquiries from local, regional and national companies due to the quality of the space available and the fact that Hull is now very much in the spotlight as a result of its City of Culture status.”

Anchor House features a high-quality reception area, door-controlled entry system, lift to all floors, on-site parking, CCTV-controlled environment, EPC rating B and immediate availability of office space.

RFD Design Director Alex Jenneson said: “As interior architecture and design consultants it was important that we moved to premises that could highlight our work and our ethos. Our new offices are perfect because they are on a site with a very interesting heritage and architecture.

 “They are showcasing what we can do for clients and how we can mix the old with the new and create an interior that is sympathetic to the existing architecture. For example, instead of installing a modern fitted kitchen we have used industrial metal work benches for the units to reflect the building’s heritage. The offices also feature the building’s original pendant lighting, reclaimed metal storage units, natural exposed materials, and we have created walls by using building acrow props to highlight a construction item that is removable.”

 RFD has created three different areas within the new offices – a coffee shop style sofa and laptop working area, a large open plan workbench with meeting facilities for clients, and a show area to highlight some of the products that the company specifies and installs.

Sarah Cooper, Portfolio Manager at Catalyst Capital, said: “Our decision to invest in Hull and carry out an extensive refurbishment of Anchor House reflected the fantastic regeneration of the city centre for the UK City of Culture appointment. The big investment in the public realm has had a transformative effect on the city’s economy and we are delighted to be part of it.”