TAUNTON'S UK Hydrographic Office has been named the UK's best office to work in.

The Hydro, in Admiralty Way, was voted the Best Corporate Workplace before scooping the top accolade of the Best of the Best Office for 2021 in the British Council for Offices' national awards last night (Thursday).

The awards scheme recognises top quality office design and functionality and sets the standard for excellence across the office sector in the UK.

The final, hosted virtually by broadcaster Jeremy Vine, attracted many of the office industry’s leading figures to celebrate the best-in-class talent as the winners from the 2020 regional awards vied to take home the national award for their category.

Judges were impressed by the UKHO building’s ability to "marry complex and secure practical design with open collaborative spaces which reflect the company’s ‘one team’ culture and the spirit of employee engagement behind the development".

The awards event heard that the close relationship between the client and design partners was instrumental in integrating a new brand identity into the premises, a triumph best presented by the main reception space’s generous staircases, connectivity bridges and balconies that provide access and flow throughout the area.

Judges also commended the building for providing an impressive architectural statement to Taunton and the wider community without interrupting the operations of the Hydrographic Office during development.

Tony Hordon, chairman of the national judging committee, said: “The headquarters of the UK Hydrographic Office is a phenomenal building.

"Not only is it impressive and forward-thinking spaces inside, but it demonstrates the value of developments that connect and interact with the communities around them."

He described the Hydro as a "truly stellar example of large-scale office development".