McAdams were appointed via a Belfast City Council (BCC) Framework to deliver a Grade A Office Development which was to become their new landmark Head Quarters. The procurement was via a Developer led D&B Design Competition which championed Design Quality, Sustainability & Compliance with the New Government Office Standards (NGOS). The solution was bespoke to the precise needs of BCC as McAdams:
The result is the bespoke landmark Clarendon House on Adelaide Street Belfast which is tailored to the specific needs of BCC whilst also providing a high quality agile working environment e.g. desk/FTE ratio 8:10. It embedded NGOS density targets and achieved a BREEAM Excellent Rating. This project demonstrated our ability as Employers Architects to administer D&B tender actions with a high design competition element. This approach is applicable for high profile landmark buildings which must also comply with key employer output requirements.
The new Belfast City Council HQ Offices provide exemplar new office accommodation for the Councils staff and officers. Its efficient yet flexible floor plates has increased productivity whilst also reducing the operating and running costs to the Councils budget. The enhanced working environment has improved staff welfare and reduced absenteeism which has resulted in better staff motivation. The open plan arrangements are easily sub-divided and re-purposed to changing working conditions and this has proved very useful during the Covid-19 pandemic.
