New British Sugar HQ in Peterborough wins ‘Best Workplace’ accolade

The exterior of the new British Sugar headquarters.

The building on a 4.54 acre site in Cyrus Way, Hampton, was named as the Best Corporate Workplace in the Midlands and Central England at the annual British Council for Offices’ (BCO) regional awards.

As well as being home to British Sugar, the new office, which opened last year, house four other businesses of parent company Associated British Foods.

It was praised as a spectacular, modern workplace that accommodates more than 300 employees, who moved from the company’s former premises in Oundle Road.

The open-plan interior of the new British Sugar offices.

The judges said the offices brought to life the business’ vision of being a vibrant and highly sustainable place to work.

Among the building’s many features are PV solar panels, rainwater harvesting, low energy LED lighting and external louvres that control the sunlight and cause the building’s appearance to change throughout the day.

The BCO judging panel also highlighted an ‘impressive variety’ of facilities.

Rob van Zyl, building services partner at Cundall and chair of the Midlands & Central England judging panel, said: “This year’s entrants demonstrate that agile working has come of age, and Peterborough’s British Sugar HQ is no exception.

“What was initially a move towards cramming more people into less space through ‘hotdesking’ has now evolved into something that is clearly more focused on the health and wellness of occupiers.

“It is also encouraging to see accelerating trends towards sustainability, efficiencies in energy consumption and the use of natural shapes, materials and plants.”

Danny Parmar, chairman of the BCO Midlands & East Anglia committee added: “Many congratulations to British Sugar for being awarded the Best Corporate Workplace.

“This was one of several outstanding entries in this year’s BCO regional awards programme and reflects both the strength of our sector and the increasing demands placed upon it to deliver market-leading work environments.”

Held online, the 12th annual ceremony was presented by the BBC’s former Chief Political Correspondent, John Sergeant.

Winners from the Midlands and Central England will compete with those from other regions at the BCO Virtual National Awards on January 26.

British Sugar prepares ground for new HQ in Peterborough

British Sugar prepares the way for demolition of its Peterborough HQ