The Southern Co-operative partnered with Spectrum Workplace to deliver a workplace rightsizing and culture transformation at Lakeside Northarbour, introducing Activity Based Working. Supported by staff working groups, the project reduced space while maintaining headcount, improving collaboration, inclusivity, neurodiverse support and overall employee experience.
Bethany Benson – Associate, Design
The project began with a wider workplace strategy exercise, where Spectrum Workplace supported Southern Co-op in evaluating multiple building options. Following this process, the organisation made the decision to remain within its existing Lakeside Northarbour campus and reduce its overall occupied footprint. This approach enabled significant lease cost savings, while reinvesting in a transformed workplace designed to better support collaboration, flexibility and employee experience.
At the core of the transformation was the introduction of Activity Based Working, enabling the organisation to reduce space while maintaining the same number of employees. Instead of fixed desks, the workplace now offers a variety of environments tailored to different tasks and working styles. This shift has improved space efficiency while encouraging greater movement, interaction and collaboration across teams. A key feature of the new design is the introduction of a central “Pinpoint” collaboration zone, positioned at the heart of the office. This space acts as a natural gathering point for teams, supporting informal meetings, project discussions and cross-departmental interaction. Its placement and design make it a focal point for connectivity, helping to break down silos and foster a more open and engaged working culture. Supporting this is a broader mix of working environments, including quiet focus areas, open collaborative zones and flexible touchdown spaces. Together, these settings enable employees to move seamlessly between different types of work throughout the day, supporting productivity, autonomy and choice.
A strong emphasis was also placed on sustainability. As part of the project, a new teapoint was introduced, manufactured using recycled coffee beans and fruit stones. This feature reflects Southern Co-op’s wider environmental commitments and demonstrates how circular economy principles can be embedded into everyday workplace design without compromising quality or functionality.
Inclusivity and wellbeing were central to the design approach. The Activity Based Working model supports neurodiverse needs by offering a balanced range of environments—from active, stimulating collaboration areas through to quieter, lower-sensory spaces designed for focus and reduced distraction. This ensures employees can choose environments that best suit their working preferences and comfort levels.
Throughout the duration of the project, Spectrum Workplace also facilitated staff working group sessions with a core group of employee representatives. These sessions helped keep staff informed and engaged throughout the transformation, while also supporting the successful adoption of the new workplace and Activity Based Working model. This collaborative approach played a key role in easing the cultural transition and ensuring the new ways of working were understood, embraced and embedded effectively.
Delivered through close collaboration between Spectrum Workplace and Southern Co-op, the project required careful planning, stakeholder engagement and change management to successfully transition to a reduced footprint while introducing a new way of working. Clear communication and strong coordination were key to ensuring a smooth and effective transformation.
The completed headquarters at Lakeside Northarbour now operates as a rightsized, future-ready workplace that reduces property costs while enhancing collaboration, sustainability and employee experience. The introduction of Activity Based Working, the central Pinpoint hub and sustainable design features has created a workplace that is both efficient and culturally aligned with the organisation’s values.
Overall, the project demonstrates how strategic workplace transformation can successfully combine estate optimisation, cultural change and sustainability, resulting in a more agile, inclusive and collaborative working environment.
