National law firm Mills & Reeve has moved into a prestigious new headquarters in Cambridge following the completion of a £2.45 million office fit out by Overbury.
More than 300 employees have transferred activities to Mills & Reeve’s impressive new offices at Botanic House – a new landmark building on Hills Road.
It was built by Morgan Sindall – Overbury’s sister company – for Pace Investments Ltd, a privately owned development company that specialises in mixed-use and office schemes around the South East of England. The commercial development is the first office scheme speculatively developed in Cambridge city centre for more than 20 years.
Botanic House, a seven-storey office development, stands between the city’s historic core and the train station. The 60,000 sq ft lens-shaped property, designed by Formation Architects, overlooks Cambridge University’s Botanic Garden.
Mills & Reeve, which is a major UK law firm, is occupying 44,000 sq ft of space over four floors and subletting the remaining 10,000 sq ft. Its employees have moved to the premises from their existing office, also in Hills Road.
Julian Lebray, managing director of the Central region for fit out specialists Overbury, said: “This is a new, high profile building and the interior marks a move away from the very traditional office layout typical of law firms to an imaginative open plan concept. Working as a team with Mills & Reeve and Morgan Sindall, we have been able to create a magnificent work space which I’m sure the company’s employees and visitors will enjoy and appreciate.
“Four floors are open plan working areas, with the sixth floor dedicated to client meeting rooms and a restaurant with stunning views of the city.” He added: “This has been a very exciting project for us and we are very proud to have been involved. We hope to further expand our operations into Cambridgeshire.”
Ian Mather, partner and head of the Cambridge office for Mills & Reeve, said: “This move demonstrates Mills & Reeve’s commitment to both Cambridge and the wider region. Those involved in designing, building and fitting out Botanic House have done a fantastic job – delivering results on time and on budget.
“We look forward to welcoming our clients and contacts to Botanic House and hope that they will enjoy working with us in our new headquarters.”
Overbury won the Mills & Reeve contract following a competitive pitch against three other companies. The Birmingham-based company worked to designs provided by Essex-based architect and design practice Mansfield Monk.
Julian added: “Through our connection with Morgan Sindall – which built the BREEAM Very Good rated building – we have formed a great working relationship with Mills & Reeve. Working with the company and seeing how it is investing in its people and improving their office environment, it is clear to see why they are consistently rated as one of the UK’s Best Companies to Work For.”
Mills & Reeve is widely recognised as a provider of high-quality legal advice to businesses and individuals. It has featured in the annual Sunday Times’ 100 Best Companies to Work For for the last nine years – a record for a law firm. It has offices in Cambridge, Birmingham, Leeds, London, Manchester and Norwich, as well as international links.
