Delivering a Circular Economy Approach to Estate Transformation
As part of Cardiff University’s estate optimisation programme, Crown Workspace was appointed to manage the closure of McKenzie House, an 11-storey office building accommodating multiple departments across the University. The project presented an opportunity not only to relocate staff and assets efficiently, but also to maximise the reuse of existing resources and minimise environmental impact through the application of Crown’s sustainability-led service model.
Creating the Foundation for Reuse
The project commenced with a comprehensive photographic furniture audit of the entire building. This enabled Cardiff University’s Estates and Space Planning teams to assess the suitability of furniture and equipment for redeployment across the wider estate, particularly into the sbarc|spark building and offices at Park Place that would accommodate staff relocating from McKenzie House. By providing detailed asset data and imagery, the University was able to make informed decisions regarding retention, redeployment, donation and recycling, ensuring that valuable furniture assets remained in use wherever possible.
Managing a Complex Departmental Relocation
The relocation programme was delivered over four weeks and carefully phased on a department-by-department basis to align with ongoing refurbishment works at Park Place.
Crown Workspace provided a fully integrated relocation solution including:
- Full move management and project coordination
- IT decommissioning and recommissioning services
- Furniture and equipment relocation
- Furniture dismantling, reassembly and reconfiguration
- Sequential filing and records moves
- Fine art relocation and specialist handling
The phased approach ensured continuity of operations for University departments while maintaining programme alignment with the wider estate redevelopment works.
Extending the Life of Existing Assets
Following identification of the furniture assets that would be retained by the University, Crown explored opportunities for resale and donation.
Whilst no viable resale market existed for the surplus furniture, Crown successfully facilitated donations through the Crown Giving Back Project, ensuring that usable assets continued to deliver value within local communities rather than entering the waste stream.
Applying the Principles of Crown Circulate
Once relocations had been completed, Crown undertook the full clearance of McKenzie House using the principles of Crown Circulate, our circular economy solution designed to maximise reuse and minimise landfill.
Over a three-week period, furniture, equipment and remaining assets were assessed and directed through the most sustainable disposal route available, prioritising:
- Reuse and redeployment
- Community donation
- Recycling and material recovery
- Responsible disposal only when no alternative option existed
Delivering Measurable Sustainability Outcomes
At the conclusion of the project, Cardiff University received a comprehensive Client Savings Report detailing the environmental and social impact achieved through the programme, including:
- Assets successfully reused across the estate
- Furniture donated through community initiatives
- Material recycling and diversion from landfill
- Associated carbon and sustainability benefits
By combining strategic move management with circular economy principles, Cardiff University was able to successfully close an 11-storey office building while maximising asset value, reducing waste and supporting its wider sustainability objectives.