Virtual reality secures first customer for Neo: Bruntwood welcomes the Penketh Group
By Bruntwood
Bruntwood’s flagship workspace Neo can now be explored whilst it is still under development, thanks to the company’s new virtual reality (VR) viewing experience that shows how the building will look when it is completed in early 2017.
Peter Crowther, Bruntwood’s Property Director, comments: “In a world that’s forever changing, where technology is becoming increasingly prevalent, the property viewing experience is evolving to meet customer expectations. Bruntwood is always looking for innovative ways to improve the customer experience and while physical viewings will always be important to get a sense of scale, virtual reality can really bring the space to life before it exists.”
Agents and business owners can immerse themselves in the 12-storey Portland Street development in Manchester’s city centre, including its collaborative and coworking spaces, communal lounges and meeting rooms, plus its external roof terrace with outdoor ‘all weather’ meeting pods.
This forward-thinking move fits perfectly with Bruntwood’s dedication to putting technology and digital at the fore of the building’s offer. In addition to the intuitive and user-friendly technology (such as bluetooth building access) which is installed as standard throughout Neo, the building also has a £250k digital art space installed in the lobby.
Following the launch of the VR tour, Bruntwood has announced the first letting for Neo - The Penketh Group, who will take the full eighth floor of Neo.
As experts in creating bespoke office environments, providing furniture, audio visuals and interiors, The Penketh Group was originally commissioned to design and create the collaborative shared spaces at Neo. After working on the development, the company felt the scheme was a perfect fit with its own ethos and made the decision to move in.
Paul Mann, Sales Director of The Penketh Group, said: “We fell in love with Bruntwood’s Neo as soon as we saw the computer generated vision for the building. This iconic Manchester landmark building completely matches the aspirations of our own brand.”
He goes on to say: “We are working with an increasing number of interior designers, architects and progressive companies in the city and the space in Neo gives us the opportunity to really showcase our designer products.
“Customers visiting our new 5,000 sq ft showroom will be able to see our comprehensive range of products and with its 360 degree panoramic views across Manchester, the Neo office will also be an inspiring and vibrant place for our growing team of designers and workplace consultants to work.”
Potential customers will be able to make use of the virtual reality technology on-site at Neo using Samsung Gear headsets and off-site via a smart phone with a cardboard viewer.