How a former telephone exchange is helping to supercharge businesses

Formerly a Pye Electronics building and telephone exchange, the Parkhall Business Centre provides a creative hub environment for over 150 small businesses and manufacturers in Dulwich – currently home to a range of companies, from coffee roasters and jewellery makers to artisan food startups and tech recruiters. Owned by flexible office provider Workspace, Park Hall tenants are encouraged to customise their individual studio and workshop spaces – from redecorating to installing tea points and even combining office spaces – allowing them to tailor their environment to suit their specific needs and fuel the growth of their businesses. Breakout spaces and communal zones support cross-sector collaboration and chance meetings, including a café that’s open to the building’s occupants and wider community.

Designed by Frost Architects, the open plan breakout space and tea point forms the centrepiece of the refurbishment, where a blend of heritage and modern design nods to the building’s past. Original Art Deco flooring and exposed brick walls act as a canvas for more contemporary industrial elements like pendant lighting, leather seating and black steel furniture and booths. High-ceilings, white-washed walls and plenty of greenery lift the darker components and add another layer of privacy within the open space. Patterned tiling splash wall was designed to simulate a canopy and these floral accents flow into the reception desk, meeting room, and upstairs to the fourth floor coworking space. The incorporation of plants and floral accents not only adds aesthetic appeal but also promotes wellbeing and biodiversity, say the architects – a key priority for Workspace across its portfolio. Upstairs, a ‘hidden’ roof terrace offers impressive skyline views of London and a further spot for collaboration and socialising.