India Buildings is an historic landmark in the heart of Liverpool’s central commercial district. Originally built in 1926, this magnificent building is now Grade II* listed.

Following our major refurbishment, India Buildings is now the HMRC Regional Centre and Government Hub accommodating more than 4,000 HMRC staff. Having worked with HMRC for several years, our team were commissioned to design the interiors to accommodate organisational growth and provide a modern, inclusive, flexible environment with improved technology. HMRC is one of the most digitally advanced tax authorities in the world. The design was required to be appropriate for such an advanced organisation.

The new smart and agile workspace provides a variety of work settings including collaboration zones, quiet areas, open plan meeting spaces and flexible zones for events and training purposes. The stunning Regency Suite was converted to provide café, events, touchdown and collaboration areas – all in one space. Holt’s Arcade, one of the finest examples of century old arcade shop units in the country, was reimagined as display and smaller meeting spaces. For HMRC creating a ‘home from home’ feel was an important aspect of the design and by providing a wider variety of work settings staff are able to choose which work environment best suits their needs from day to day.

We worked closely with HMRC to develop their pioneering and innovative standards and to fully understand their needs. The result is an environment which inspires and excites with a diverse mix of agile work settings. In turn, this promotes a feeling of well-being for staff and at the same time as maximises opportunities for collaboration.

All of which was achieved whilst maintaining the building’s historic credentials.