When the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) set out to bring two existing offices together into a single, modern workspace at the Newcastle Lumen building, they appointed Showcase PSR to help turn that ambition into reality. The project represented a meaningful cultural shift for the organisation, moving away from traditional fixed desks towards flexible hot desking supported by collaboration zones, quiet pods and inclusive work settings across the seventh floor and lower basement.

Delivered within budget, the programme required early procurement, strategic vesting and close coordination with DVSA to meet year‑end spend requirements while working within a busy, multi‑occupancy building. The outcome is a future‑focused environment that improves space efficiency, enhances wellbeing and supports DVSA’s evolving ways of working.

Scope & Services

Showcase PSR oversaw the project from initial consultation through to installation, shaping the scheme through collaborative design workshops, showroom visits and detailed sampling. The completed workspace includes flexible desking, collaboration tables, acoustic pods, meeting suites, training rooms, locker storage and a dedicated contemplation and prayer room.

Technical integration was carefully managed to accommodate smaller desk footprints, with power, data and cable routing planned around safe and efficient use. The team also worked closely with DVSA’s Health and Safety specialists to provide tailored seating solutions for staff with additional needs, ensuring the space was fully inclusive. A value‑engineered approach refined the initial specification to meet all aesthetic and ergonomic standards while maintaining financial discipline throughout.

Success Points

The finished workspace brings two teams together in a cohesive setting that supports both focused work and collaboration. Staff engagement throughout the process helped ease the transition to new working styles and strengthened confidence in the hot desking model.

The scheme delivers measurable improvements in space utilisation, wellbeing and long‑term flexibility, with products selected for durability, sustainability and extended warranties. Despite delays in the basement works and the complexities of operating within a live building, installation remained tightly managed through phased schedules and consistent communication.

DVSA’s feedback has been extremely positive, praising the quality of design, the transparency shown during delivery and the strong value for money. The success of the Newcastle project continues to reinforce a trusted, collaborative partnership.

Discover more Showcase PSR projects here.