Transforming Vacant Floorplates Into a Fully Occupied, Tech-Enabled Office Hub
đź“ŤProject Summary
Client: Private Investor
Location: Belfast City Centre
Timeline: 2023–2025
Website:metrooffice.co.uk
Service Provided: Advanced Report + Operational & Ongoing Consultancy
🛑 The Challenge
In 2023, the owner of a prime commercial building in Belfast approached Chris Johnston Group with a pressing challenge: two full office floorplates were sitting vacant. Despite high-quality refurbishment and a central location, there was limited interest from large-scale tenants willing to take on a long-term lease.
The market had shifted, and traditional leasing models were no longer delivering. The owner needed a new strategy, expert guidance, and a clear route to monetising the asset — fast.
đź’ˇ The Solution
Chris Johnston Group delivered a comprehensive Advanced Report alongside monthly strategic consultancy. The focus was on repositioning the space as a flexible, multi-tenant serviced office that matched post-pandemic occupier demand for agility, amenities, and experience.
Our involvement included:
🧠Strategic Advisory
- In-depth competitor analysis and pricing strategy
- Tenant profiling and demand mapping
- Floorplate redesign for workstation yield and amenity zones
- Creation of clear offer tiers and value-led packages
đź› Tech & Platform Setup
- Specification of access control, CRM, billing and booking software
- Community engagement and portal recommendations
- Operational automation guidance (for leaner staffing model)
đź‘Ą Operational & Staffing Model
- Defined staffing structure (Community Manager, Front-of-House, Cleaning & Support)
- Advisory on recruitment, team roles, and client service SOPs
- Daily operations plan including member onboarding, event scheduling, and space management
đź“Ł Brand & Market Launch
- Broker engagement strategy and briefing packs
- Marketing toolkit including sales collateral and digital messaging
- Advisory on launch timeline, local partnerships, and events
📆 Timeline of Transformation
Date Milestone
Q2 2023 Initial site visit + diagnostic assessment completed
Q2–Q3 2023 Advanced Report delivered and strategy approved
Q3 2023 Operational planning and tech recommendations finalised
Q4 2023 Fit-out adjustments made based on CJG floorplate strategy
Q1 2024 Broker outreach begins; early pre-lets secured
đź—Ł Client Feedback
"After one client’s departure left us with three vacant floors and no serious interest from large occupiers, we knew we needed a complete rethink — and quickly. Chris Johnston Group didn’t just give us ideas; they delivered a full strategic solution from day one. From workspace concept to technology, operations, and staffing, they led every stage with clarity and pace. The result? A fully let, income-generating office brand that’s thriving. Their expertise turned a challenge into a long-term commercial asset — we couldn’t have achieved this without them."
