Fit-out and construction company Aztec was chosen by the entrepreneurs behind Liverpool-based Avenue HQ to make their vision of a pioneering workspace a reality.
Avenue HQ is a unique collaborative environment in Liverpool city centre comprising 16,000 sq. ft. and offering a dynamic mix of start-up and more established companies.
The Mann Island campus mixes private offices, flexible workspace, co-working, meeting rooms and events.
The entrepreneurs behind Avenue HQ, Matthew Kennedy and Karl Connolly, took their inspiration from cities like New York where collaborative co-working is becoming increasingly popular.
Kennedy, who is also Avenue HQ’s CEO, said: “It was clear from our very first meeting that the Aztec team understood what we were trying to achieve.
“We are tapping into a global cultural shift in the way people want to work. A lot of the co-working spaces that have been created to date in the UK have either been focused on start-up businesses or have been sector specific.
“Avenue HQ differs in a number of ways, not least that we will have start-ups and freelancers working alongside more established companies.
“Too many businesses fail because they operate in isolation. We want to rewrite the rules by providing the support and human contact that is essential for business growth.”
Neal Maxwell, founder and sales director of Aztec, said: “We agreed from the outset that we would put in the time and effort to create Matt and Karl’s vision through a collaborative partnership.
“We worked at risk in the early stages while they raised finance to help them take their ideas and create a scheme that was both innovative and commercially sound.
“Aztec has been in business for over 30 years so the Avenue HQ team were able to tap into our knowledge of what works and what doesn’t work.”
Aztec provided all of the fit-out and construction services required including all infrastructure and building works, mechanicals and electricals, interior design, furniture and branding.
Aztec’s own joinery workshop has also handmade a number of pieces of bespoke furniture for the development. Aztec worked closely with Liverpool firm Day Architecture.
Avenue HQ is supported by Barclays Eagle Labs, the bank’s 11th such facility in the UK.
Kennedy said: “Our partnership with Barclays will mean that we will have additional facilities such as 3D printers, laser cutters and mentoring from a range of industry specialists. All of our members will also become part of the Eagle Lab network, providing access to all Eagle Labs across the country.”
In addition to the 16,000 sq. ft. of workspace, Avenue HQ also includes a coffee shop, Cuppacoffee, and bar called The Lobby @ Avenue HQ.
Avenue HQ offers a range of membership packages to suit all requirements, from people looking for a single hot desk through to those wanting private offices for up to 10 people. Event spaces, meeting rooms and presentation suites are also available for hire.
Kennedy added: “In five years’ time, a big part of whether Avenue HQ has been successful will be the impact we have had on businesses in Liverpool and elsewhere. For some this might mean going from start-up to established company while, for others, it might mean becoming global names.”
Avenue HQ will be starting work on a second location in Nottingham later this year with further target cities including Leeds and Manchester.