Nick aims to repeat site transformation
He has already transformed what many considered to one of Great Yarmouth’s ugliest buildings into a more attractive feature of its skyline. And now, builder Nick Willis is trying to repeat the feat and he aims to revive one of neighbouring Lowestoft’s most well-known landmarks. Having been the project manager for the £3million facelift of Havenbridge House, Great Yarmouth, Mr Willis – a building surveyor for Woodfellows building consultancy, based in Mattishall, Norfolk – hopes to repeat the feat at Lowestoft’s Clapham House. The former Suffolk County Council building has been bought by Kingsley Healthcare for a seven- figure sum as the firm’s new headquarters.
Chief executive Daya Thayan hopes the site will become the base for its £200million five-year expansion plan to become a familiar national brand in five years, with its central office headcount set to progressively rise from 47 to more than 100 after it moves into Clapham House later this year. However he hopes the renovation, due to be complete so the building can open in July, will show the firm’s commitment to Lowestoft and that it is eager to help boost the town. The external renovation of he 13,000sq ft building, which is to be renamed Kingsley House, is due to be complete by March. Internal fitting is set to take place from April, with new conference and training facilities inside.
Mr Willis said: “I was project manager at Havenbridge House, so I’ve taken what I did there and tried to replicate it to this building – to lift its appearance and make it a more attractive office with a contemporary, modern design.” Michael Parker, maintenance manager at Kingsley Healthcare, said the move was “future proof” as the firm would not have to look at moving again for some time.
Source: EDP
Author: Stehpen Pullinger
