SportsShoes.com unveils £2.5m creative and tech hub to support future growth
SportsShoes.com has unveiled a £2.5 million creative and tech hub in Bradford to support its future growth ambitions and its aim to become "the world's most sustainable running equipment retailer by 2025".
Called Unit 2, the 10,750 sq ft hub located in a refurbished manufacturing warehouse building, which can accommodate 100 people over two floors. The site houses the company’s digital, marketing, commercial and management teams.
Designed by architects, building consultants and interior designers Bowman Riley, Unit 2’s interior and exterior have been conceived to provide an immersive, collaborative experience.
The interior concept is based on the run, gym and hike elements of the business. Running is represented by a racetrack and trainer tree for display, gym is recognised by climbing ladder references in reception and hiking by bleacher seating that leads to a social space called Park Life.
Unit 2 also incorporates quiet working pods, a showroom, meeting rooms, boardroom, photography studio, kitchen and café.
Externally, the building features stealth lighting and new windows that floods the internal mezzanine with natural light to help reduce energy demands.
SportsShoes.com managing director, Brett Bannister (pictured above), said of the development: “It was our vision to have a creative and tech hub that provides the very best environment for our people and brand partners to collaborate and enjoy.
“Unit 2 is just that and is a truly outstanding facility and reflects the innovative, creative streak we have here at SportsShoes.com.
“Its completion comes shortly after we celebrated our 40th anniversary, and we’re excited to see how it will help drive us forward over the coming years to enable our continued expansion.”
Founded in 1982 SportsShoes.com offers more than 17,000 products from 150 global running and outdoor brands. From a running perspective these include Asics, Nike, Adidas, Hoka and New Balance and for outdoor names include Haglöfs, Montane, Rab and Patagonia.
The company recently announced that it has offset all the carbon emissions it has directly generated since it was founded as part of its aim to become the most sustainable running equipment retailer by 2025. By situating Unit 2 in an existing warehouse the company saved on the carbon footprint of a new build and the site also features solar panels on its roof enabling the generation of its own power.
Bradford-based Peter Howell Facilities undertook the fit out while Cartner Property Solutions, also based in the city, provided project management services.
