Pictured above: Matt Harding and Nick Allen, directors at Metz

East Midlands-based architecture practice, Metz, has relocated to a new 1,350 sq ft office at Phoenix Square in Leicester's cultural quarter, in a move which gives the landmark cultural building the ultimate seal of approval and signals the firm's support for the city centre's ongoing regeneration.

With an extensive portfolio spanning building design, masterplanning and urban design, Metz has clients across a range of sectors including commercial and retail, leisure and education, heritage and residential development.  

Nick Allen, director of Metz, explained why the firm has relocated from a refurbished mill building off the Newark to new Grade A office premises at Phoenix Square. Nick said: "The move to Phoenix Square has been a key part of our strategy to reorganise the business so that we are in a strong position to face the ongoing challenges presented by the economic climate.  

"As a progressive firm, we require office accommodation that is cost effective and represents a long-term investment. Phoenix Square scored highly as it benefits from low running costs and service charges, predominantly due to its use of renewable and green technologies, and there is also the option to purchase the building at the end of the lease, which is ideal for pension planning. 

"The building itself is dynamic, well-presented and reflects our business philosophy, which is incredibly important for a firm of architects. We like being located in the Cultural Quarter, near to other creative businesses and within close proximity to Curve and the Leicester Creative Business Depot (LCBD); and being in the heart of a regeneration area appeals to our ideal of being part of Leicester's future. 

"I have always felt that there was a shortage of new, energy efficient self-contained offices in Leicester city centre. Phoenix Square has delivered this and more, with the mix of businesses, the independent cinema, media facilities and café bar, creating a vibrant, happening place which is the perfect location for Metz.

"Leicester City Council and developers such as Blueprint should be applauded for their investment into the city. Curve, the LCBC, Phoenix Square and the huge improvements to the public realm in the city have acted as catalysts for key developments such as Highcross Shopping Centre. As a result of these regeneration schemes, there is a real buzz about the city - Leicester needs more projects like these." 

An exclusive selection of self-contained duplex offices is currently available on flexible lease terms at Phoenix Square. Ranging in size from 950 sq ft to 1,660 sq ft q ft, the Grade A office space has been designed with sustainability in mind, giving occupiers all the benefits of maximum energy efficiency.  Each individual office has a prominent on-street frontage with opportunities for branding, together with striking a double height ground floor space, which could be adapted to accommodate a mezzanine level. All occupiers have access to a private landscaped courtyard, and to a range of facilities including conference space, meeting rooms, micro cinema, and digital and media production facilities.

John Long from Blueprint, said: "Forward-thinking firms such as Metz are exactly the kind of businesses we set out to attract to Phoenix Square and it is incredibly satisfying to see this new creative community continue to grow and flourish with the addition of such high calibre commercial occupiers. 

"The values and principles of the firm, and the vision which is driving Metz forward, are all clearly aligned with the offering here at Phoenix Square, and we are delighted to receive such positive feedback from our newest tenant. The firm's view on architecture, sustainability and regeneration is well respected and the fact that Metz has selected Phoenix Square based on these factors really is the ultimate seal of approval for the building."

Phoenix Square is a multi-award winning cultural building which combines contemporary living space with an independent arts cinema, café bar, and state of the art workspaces and office studios to accommodate Leicester's growing number of creative businesses. The project is the result of an innovative partnership between Blueprint, Phoenix, and Leicester City Council in collaboration with De Montfort University, and it has quickly established a reputation as an example of 21st century sustainable building design, coupled with leading-edge architectural quality.