Sustainability-focused fit-out partnership by between JPA Workspaces and Rothamsted Enterprises

The Russell Building at Rothamsted Enterprises , in Harpenden, has been newly refurbished to provide much-needed office and hotdesking space for growing SMEs across agriculture, innovation and technology.

The historic red-brick building, which had lain empty since 2014, has been transformed with with the support of the Lawes Agricultural Trust and Rothamsted Enterprises, and the help of a £1.7m Local Growth Fund investment from Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Herts Innovation Quarter (Herts IQ), which is to boosting agri-tech growth in the county.

JPA Workspaces, based in nearby St Albans, has assisted with the design and furnishing of the expansive hot-desking hub and reception areas. Additionally, they have worked closely with Rothamsted Enterprises to furnish a show office with contemporary, height- adjustable desks, wireless charging and desk top power, to help attract and inspire prospective tenants.

Sustainability is central to the project and is reflected right through to the furnishings. Timber-based products supplied by JPA are from sustainable sources, recyclable at end of life, and accompanied by lengthy warranties. JPA’s furniture installation was zero waste and carbon neutral, contributing to Hertfordshire’s drive for sustainable growth.

“We are delighted to have been able to showcase the benefits of working with local partners for this project which has delivered measurable local impact and value for all parties,” says Graham Pulsford, Managing Director of JPA, “and we look forward to building our working relationship with the team at Rothamsted Enterprises, it has been a pleasure”.

“We’re delighted that this iconic building is now back in use as a hub for agritech businesses and it has been great to work with local business, JPA, who have delivered a carbon neutral, zero waste furniture installation for us,” said Nicole Sadd, CEO, Rothamsted Enterprises. “We very much look forward to welcoming lots of innovative businesses to the Rothamsted ecosystem.”

Cherie Norris, Herts IQ Enterprise Zone Manager at Hertfordshire LEP said: “As the original birthplace of agricultural science in the UK, we’re pleased that the Russell Building will once again be home to the next generation of agri-tech and food-tech innovators. Our investment will support more businesses to join Herts IQ and take advantage of the world-class expertise available at Rothamsted Research, and we’re delighted to support their future success in Hertfordshire.”

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