IT Service Centre
Network Rail
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As part of an internal service transformation programme, Network Rail planned to migrate their IT Service Centre from its previous office in Crewe into its recently refurbished flagship office, Square One, in Manchester.
Project
We were commissioned to provide ergonomic design and space planning services to support the Network Rail Transformation programme to migrate the IT Service Centre from Crewe to the Square One building in Manchester. The Service Centre provides IT support across the company, including 24/7 support for night time working.
Implementation
The main issues at Crewe were the separation of associated teams over two floors and limited integration of the staff across the IT support process. The image that Network Rail IT wanted to portray to staff and visitors included:
• Team working
• Place of importance offering a proper profession with a proper career path
• Welcoming environment
• Motivational
The space allocated at Manchester Square One was on the ground floor and originally occupied by two other Network Rail departments that were separated by a central corridor with glass walls. Following re-location of these departments elsewhere in the building, the glass corridor was removed to provide one large single space. The existing workstations were re-configured to suit the outcome of the plotboard trials organised by CCD; one of the existing meeting rooms was designated an incident room and the kitchenette area was re-configured to provide an internet café.
Outcomes
The project was managed by Gary Fielden of Network Rail. On completion of the works at the beginning of August 2009, he stated:
"The transition has gone very smoothly, with minimal disruption to both staff and customers. Everyone loves the office layout so thanks again for your expertise, collaborative approach and support with this."