Established in 2012 by Managing Director Chris Lowery, the NWR Hygiene team has expanded to 18 people responsible for providing market-leading washroom services and waste management solutions to businesses across the UK.
Expansion of the NWR team presented Chris with a workspace challenge, and in 2020 Chris acquired The Old Hibernian Club in Stanley, originally built in 1911. With the focus on renovation and preserving local history and with the aim of using it as a base from which to grow the team, Chris undertook the mammoth job of bringing the building up to modern-day standards.
Chris Lowery said, “Many people have asked why I embarked on a project of this magnitude. I thought it was a quirky building, and someone needed to save it. I fell in love with its charms and features. Some people thought I was mad, but sometimes you’ve got to go for it!”.
The project became a labour of love for Chris. While most people’s lockdown projects revolved around laying decking, Chris set about the most extensive restoration project of his life. The project has come with challenges, which saw Chris supported by local tradespeople to update the electrics, rewire the building, replace the roof, upgrade the premises to meet current safety regulations, and install Hive heating, wifi, and Cat6 cabling.
The contemporary office space designed by York-based designer Ben Johnson Ltd and with a striking navy and lime colour scheme interior designed by Jackie Martin at Design North, has certainly catapulted the finished building into 2022.
Chris continued, “People ask whether I would do it again. Probably not! It’s been a journey, and I’m proud of what we have achieved. We’ve created a sleek, modern base for our team, complete with all mod cons, and preserved a piece of history in County Durham’.
There were some surprises in store for Chris, including the discovery of the original sprung dancefloor, which has been preserved, and finding an original Hammond Organ in a cupboard which has since been lovingly restored by specialist company, Whitley Bay Organ Services.
As NWR Hygiene settles into its new home, what’s next for the growing North East company? Chris said, “Our new home means that we now have the space to welcome new team members. We will continue to major on service and value-add for businesses across commercial businesses, including education, hospitality, leisure, office, and retail, providing fully-managed, reliable hygiene services and secure waste disposal to businesses who need it most”.
