Regional law firm Michelmores has taken up residence in its new Bristol office in a move it says will underpin its ambitious growth trajectory
The relocation to 10 Victoria Street, pictured, from Broad Quay House on The Centre comes as the firm continues to expand its core private client, business and real estate groups.
Some 22 lawyers have joined the Bristol office in the past 12 months, bringing to 104 the firm’s total headcount in the city – a 50% increase in Bristol staff since the start of 2022.
Michelmores has leased just over 11,000 sq ft in 10 Victoria Street, a Grade II listed building that has recently undergone a significant and sensitive redevelopment to become a grade A office while also gaining BREEAM ‘very good’ status.
The new office offers a range of focused working, conference, collaboration and break-out space tailored specifically to the firm’s needs.
The building also includes storage for 76 bikes with shower and changing facilities, plus specialist cycle clothing drying lockers along with four EV car charging points.
Michelmores, which employs more than 450 people across its network of four offices, said the move reinforced its commitment to reducing its environmental impact and supported its work towards its ongoing net zero programme.
The firm recently achieved Planet Mark Business certification for the second year running and reduced its emissions by 12.9% last year.
It also repurposed office furniture for the relocation and donated other items to local charities.
Michelmores managing partner Tim Richards said: “Our move to this fantastic building signals our continued investment in Bristol – a city that’s a hub of creativity and innovation and also one of the greenest cities in the UK.
“Bristol has played a key role in our growth story over the last decade and we have more exciting plans ahead.”
Partner and Bristol office head Paul Beanlands said the move exemplified the firm’s people-first culture and its agile working model.
“The new office has been designed with significant input from our people, and the result is an excellent space for our colleagues and clients to thrive, collaborate and connect,” he added.
The letting to Michelmores, also has offices in London, Exeter and Cheltenham, was secured by property consultancy Hartnell Taylor Cook alongside real estate firm CSquared, both based in Bristol.
The new office interior was conceptualised by London architecture and design studio D3.
Hartnell Taylor Cook partner and head of its office in Bristol, Chris Grazier, said: “The flight to quality in the city centre is soaring and this landmark offers a state-of-the-art space in a prime location.
“There is a clear appetite for grade A space and 10 Victoria provides a great base for Michelmores to continue to grow.”
D3 conducted a detailed workplace study to understand Michelmores’ culture and people before coming up with its design.
D3 managing director Ian Mabe said: “This data powered design helped us create a distinctive aesthetic aligned to Michelmores’ new brand, a scheme that embraces an open and collaborative culture, humble and welcoming experience for clients, with a bold, contemporary design.”
