Wizu – Leeming Building

Reception Revolution

Sector

Offices, We Are Spaces, Yorkshire and the Humber

Location

Leeds - Yorkshire

Size

Duration

Services

Commercial Furniture,Interior Fit Out
Wizu, a bustling coworking space within a characterful listed building, has served as a dynamic hub for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and businesses since it opened seven years ago. As Wizu’s first site, it was pivotal in establishing the brand’s identity. However, after years of operation, the space began to feel tired and underutilised. We Are Spaces was tasked with the challenge of refurbishing this historic site, aiming to refresh its look and functionality while preserving its unique architectural charm.

Challenges

The primary challenge was the outdated design and layout of the space. After seven years of use, the coworking area was showing signs of wear and was no longer suited to the evolving needs of modern professionals. Additionally, despite its popularity, certain parts of the building were not used to their full potential. The historic nature of the building added complexity, as any refurbishment needed to respect and maintain its listed status while incorporating modern features. Balancing the need for contemporary improvements with the preservation of the building’s historic character required a thoughtful and sensitive approach.

Opportunities

The refurbishment presented a significant opportunity to transform Wizu’s workspace into a more versatile and functional environment. By reimagining the layout and introducing a variety of workspaces, Wizu could better cater to the diverse needs of its members. The project also offered a chance to enhance the overall member experience by incorporating features designed to boost wellbeing and productivity. Modernising the space while celebrating its heritage was an exciting opportunity to create a workspace that felt both timeless and innovative, appealing to a broad range of users.

Solutions

The refurbishment was executed with a keen eye for blending modern design with historical elements. We Are Spaces carefully preserved the building’s character while introducing contemporary design features that revitalised the space. The layout was reconfigured to increase capacity and better utilise the available area, introducing a mix of agile workspaces that accommodated various working styles. New acoustic phone booths were added to provide soundproof areas for private calls, and a bespoke snug was created for more secluded work or meetings. Design-led ergonomic furniture was chosen to enhance comfort and style, with collaborative booth seating encouraging interaction and creativity. A high-quality coffee machine and an upgraded sound system were installed to further enrich the member experience. The new layout improved the flow of natural light and overall mood of the space, contributing to a more inspiring and productive environment.