Established in 2012 by our Managing Director Chris Lowery, NWR Hygiene has expanded into one of the market-leading washroom services and waste management solutions providers to businesses across the UK.
With the plan of expanding the business in mind, Chris acquired The Old Hibernian Club in Stanley, during the lockdown in 2020 – a premise that was originally built in 1911. Chris wanted to focus on renovation and preserving local history and with the aim of using it as a base from which to grow the team, he undertook the mammoth job of bringing the building up to modern-day standards.
A Covid-Lockdown Labour of Love
We sat down with Chris to talk about the process, he 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 soon became a labour of love. While most people’s lockdown projects revolved around laying decking, Chris set about the most extensive restoration project of his life. The project came with challenges, and he soon called in support from 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, blended with a striking navy and lime colour scheme interior designed by Jackie Martin at Design North, has certainly catapulted the finished building into 2023.
Chris continued with, “People ask whether I would do this 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”.
Uncovering the Buildings History
There were some surprises in store during the renovation, including the discovery of the original sprung dance floor, which has been preserved, and finding an original Hammond Organ in a cupboard which has since been lovingly restored by a specialist company, Whitley Bay Organ Services.
As we continue to grow into our new home, the next question has always been, well – what’s next?
Chris wrapped up our interview by saying, “Our new home means that we now have the space to welcome new team members. We will continue to major in service and add value 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”.
No matter where we work, we are the team to face any of your hygiene needs. If you are looking for a market-leading sanitation service provider, get in touch today!
