The Robinson | BWD Limited

Client

BWD were commissioned to lead the interior design and branding of The Robinson, formerly the Stanley Buildings, a landmark Art Deco structure at Blackpool’s town centre. The brief was to refurbish and repurpose this under-utilised, historic building into a modern business centre, combining co-work, private offices, meeting spaces and shared amenities, whilst respecting its architectural heritage and enhancing its presence in the urban fabric.

The Project

From the outset, we sought to balance heritage with innovation. Working closely with the architect, contractor, and branding partners, we have:

Retained key features of the original Art Deco ceilings in the large co-working space. We have referenced the scalloped detail on the external building façade and used this throughout the internal space to reference the building’s 1930s period style.
Developed a coherent interior design language: colour palettes and materials that reference the building’s original Art Deco style but adapted for contemporary use.
Designed flexible workspace layouts: a range of co-working booths, private offices, meeting & event areas, and amenity spaces to support a variety of tenants.
Working in collaboration with the branding team, have helped to develop branding and wayfinding features (signage, graphics, glazing designs) that unify the visitor/tenant experience and celebrate the building’s heritage.
Re-used acoustic timber panelling from the Blackpool Law Courts to save the material from landfill and utilise it in meeting rooms and other feature walls throughout the building.

Outcomes

The Robinson now operates as a high-quality town centre business centre, providing well-designed, brand-rich workspaces in a restored historic building.

Tenants benefit from modern working infrastructure: good daylight, efficient heating/cooling, sustainable energy sources, and well-considered interiors.

The project has helped catalyse local economic activity: offering flexible workspace options, supporting start-ups/SMEs, and contributing to the vibrancy of the town centre.

Overall, the balance between heritage conservation and modern design has delivered a building that honours its past while being future-ready.

Project Visuals

Completed Project

What our customers say

“The combination of branding and interior design has transformed the look and the feel of the building into a first-rate contemporary space and one that I can’t wait to showcase to local businesses and co-workers. The combination of the Art Deco heritage exterior and modern, superbly designed space is a compelling offer.
Bev and Martin excelled in translating outline designs into compelling visuals with meticulous attention to detail, from bespoke furniture to influencing the floor coverings, blinds, wall colours… the list is endless. I can’t thank them enough for what has been an intensive period of detailed and inspiring work with a real focus on quality and practicality of end-use."

Peter Legg, Head of Economic & Cultural Services at Blackpool Council and lead on The Robinson project.