The Plaza
Liverpool
When Bruntwood needed to transform Liverpool’s iconic Plaza building into their first Pioneer workspace, they required contractors who could honour six decades of architectural heritage whilst engineering the future of work. This wasn’t just another office refurbishment – it was about creating Liverpool’s new workspace standard in a landmark that has defined the city’s skyline since 1965.
Location
Liverpool
Client
Bruntwood
Size
3rd floor just over 2000m2; ground floor 1800m2
Duration
18 months
CubicWorks orchestrated the complete transformation of The Plaza’s ground floor and 3rd floor as part of Bruntwood’s pioneering £3.7 million investment. We converted the sterile, compartmented 1990s ground floor into a vibrant destination combining co-working spaces, communal lounges, and a striking new St Paul’s Square entrance.
The 3rd floor became Liverpool’s first Pioneer workspace – where original 1960s exposed beams meet lush biophilia, featuring a lounge-events space complete with piano and a panoramic terrace overlooking St Paul’s Square. Throughout both floors, we integrated sophisticated wellness amenities, energy-saving smart technology, living walls, and bespoke lighting systems that celebrate the building’s optimistic 1960s spirit.
Transforming a landmark 18-storey building whilst 3,000+ occupants continued working above presented exactly the complex logistical challenge that others avoid
The Plaza demanded more than standard refurbishment – Bruntwood’s Pioneer programme required six key pillars: biophilia, art, sustainability, wellness, amenity and technology. We had to preserve the building’s 1960s character whilst creating workspace that would “set a new standard for the city.” Add in the integration of destination hospitality, wellness facilities with 142 bike spaces and 18 showers, plus the pressure of delivering Liverpool’s first Pioneer workspace, and you have a project requiring 40+ years of collective problem-solving experience.
The CubicWorks Difference
While many contractors struggle with heritage buildings, we thrive on the challenge of engineering solutions that honour the past whilst creating the future. Our partnership approach meant understanding that this wasn’t just construction – it was about positioning Liverpool as a forward-thinking business destination.
We worked seamlessly with Phaus to ensure every design element, from the vibrant orange and emerald blue reception to the exposed beam preservation on the 3rd floor, reflected both 1960s optimism and modern innovation. Our in-house trades collaborated daily to integrate complex MEP systems, smart technology, and biophilic elements without disrupting the thousands working above.
The Plaza now stands as “one of the most innovative buildings in the North West,” successfully attracting high-profile tenants including Reputation, Slater & Gordon, and Aptia to Liverpool’s commercial district. The transformation delivered exactly what Bruntwood envisioned – a workspace that blends work, leisure and wellbeing whilst celebrating the spirit of the ’60s. The ground floor thrums with activity throughout the lobby as people work, meet and connect, whilst the 3rd floor offers Liverpool’s most unique workspace experience. The project catalysed wider district transformation and proved that heritage buildings can lead the workspace revolution when approached with genuine care and expertise.
Taking responsibility for Liverpool’s workspace future
When you don’t just build standard, you help cities transform.
At The Plaza, we proved that even the most ambitious workspace vision can be delivered through genuine partnership and 40+ years of experience. This is what happens when you engineer solutions for buildings and communities – taking responsibility others won’t accept to create spaces where the best of the past meets the promise of the future.
CubicWorks
