Public Buildings • Enfield Business Centre

Transforming an anonymous building into a vibrant community resource and proud civic space. 

The original building dated from the 1970s, built as a bank and then adapted into office spaces for organisations within the field of local business support. The building did not reflect the needs of its users and required improvements in accessibility and wayfinding. RCKa were brought onto the project with WeMadeThat and Europa to realise the building’s potential and to lead the collaboration and co-design with all stakeholder and user groups.

Since reopening, the centre has been embraced by the community, often used in unanticipated ways. What was once an anonymous building has become a vibrant, welcoming hub for local businesses and residents alike.

Defining a new collaborative business model

Open for Business

Our transformation of the Enfield Business Centre began with an intensive period of engagement. Over the first few months, we met with tenants, council departments, local partners and other business centres to understand how the building could better support the community. A steering group was established, bringing together organisations including Enterprise Enfield, the Enfield Education Business Partnership, STS Complete Health and Safety, Urban Futures, the North London Chamber of Commerce, the Enfield Business and Retailers Association, and Enfield Highway Library.

These conversations shaped a new collaborative business model, a shared brief and a cohesive brand identity for all users. By relocating car parking to the rear and redesigning the forecourt, we opened the building up to the high street, creating a new public-realm space that encourages connection and visibility. Inside, flexible facilities — including a café, Wi-Fi-enabled hot-desking, and shared meeting and seminar spaces — support local enterprise and collaboration.

 

 

“The quality of the design of this refurbishment has meant the business centre has been transformed into a vibrant modern business hub, where a range of new enterprise services have been introduced to help business grow."

Despina Johnson, CEO of Enterprise Enfield

Wayfinding and Accessibility

A series of small, carefully considered interventions enhanced the building’s accessibility and legibility. We replaced the previous air-lock entry with a single powered door and clear sightlines, creating a seamless, inclusive threshold. Full-height glazing at the entrance increased transparency, allowing the life of the building to be visible from the street.

Wayfinding elements were designed as an integral part of the architecture: large sculptural steel “EBC” letters mark the forecourt, while a laser-cut “Open for Business” sign above the entrance announces its new identity. Inside, material contrasts and careful detailing improve orientation and visibility for all users, supported by a new accessible lift located adjacent to the main entrance.

Before construction began, a temporary wheelchair-accessible route from the rear car park ensured continued access for all. The completed forecourt now includes dedicated accessible parking and cycle stands, reinforcing the building’s inclusive and welcoming approach.

Client
London Borough of Enfield

Project Status
Completed 2014

Project Team
Jakob Spriestersbach

Awards

Project list