In 2005, The National Assembly for Wales started implementing a programme of decentralisation of a significant proportion of devolved government functions from Cardiff to a number of locations within the Welsh regions.

Cochrane McGregor was appointed to provide assistance with one of the earliest relocation projects in this programme, which involved a new office building of some 55000 sq ft. of usable space in Merthyr Tydfil.

Initially, we were asked to advise on design for key facilities including the staff restaurant and seven breakout areas. Our involvement grew to take in space planning issues, and ultimately we took on total responsibility for this.

More recently, we specified and implemented pilot studies to form the basis for flexible working policies to be extended throughout the building.

In parallel with this work, we have developed initial concepts for two additional projects at Aberystwyth and Llandudno – specifically, the incorporation a 'First Stop Shop' help and information zone for use by the public in each location.