Cool Conversions - Floating meeting room sets the barge high

When it comes to office styling, the bar is set to maximum for interior design companies. Or should that be ‘barge’?
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OVO Spaces has an impressive space in a heritage building with quirky objects - anchor, ship’s bell and sea mine - and even an office dog called Baxter.

But it can be confident it walks the walk like no other thanks to its barge.

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For who but an interior design company would spend £127,000 turning an old boat into a floating client meeting space – and bedroom?

All aboard for a client meeting at OVO Spaces. Picture: Chris EtchellsAll aboard for a client meeting at OVO Spaces. Picture: Chris Etchells
All aboard for a client meeting at OVO Spaces. Picture: Chris Etchells

The 14-strong firm is on the ground floor of Terminal Warehouse One at Victoria Quays, which straddles the very end of the Sheffield and Tinsley canal.

Built in 1819, it is Grade II listed but had been empty for 50 years when OVO relocated from Newhall two years ago.

They then splashed a total of £330,000 on the interior and barge, which has a “massive” impact on clients, according to director Rebecca Knight.

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She said: “Everyone from delivery people to clients to suppliers is wowed by it. And it’s really quite relaxing by the water.”

Inside the boat. Picture: Chris EtchellsInside the boat. Picture: Chris Etchells
Inside the boat. Picture: Chris Etchells

Managing director David Baldwin said they liked the building’s grittiness and wanted to retain the beauty of the brick, stone and steel.

And the barge? It has an electric motor and is taken out for jaunts - because as well as looking good, work should be fun too.

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