£345,000 office revamp complete
One Castle Park in central Bristol has undergone a £345,000 refurbishment
A MAJOR refurbishment of an office building in Bristol city centre that cost hundreds of thousands of pounds has finished.
The revamp of One Castle Park – a seven-storey 76,000 sq ft building between Temple Quarter and Cabot Circus shopping centre – included the complete remodelling of the reception and lift lobbies, and cost £345,000.
The project was carried out by the building consultancy division of Knight Frank, which is also the letting agent for the building. The property firm was appointed to oversee the scheme by landlord Circle Property, while Canncreative provided the design and Lancer Scott carried out the works.
Alex Cary, a surveyor in Knight Frank’s building consultancy team in Bristol, said: “The refurbishment has enhanced the working environment for occupiers in the building, which now also offers a bright efficient welcome to those arriving.”
The works included reconfigured reception area, new floors, updated lift lobbies on all floors, and a new-look entrance. New shower and cycle facilities have also been installed.
Martin Booth, partner in the office agency team of Knight Frank said: “One Castle Park is popular with occupiers due to its accessibility to Temple Meads and the wide ranging amenities of Cabot Circus, Castle Park and Finzels Reach.”
One Castle Park was acquired by Circle Property in 2011.
Katie says the parasympathetic nervous system, which can help restore calm when you’re stressed, can be indirectly stimulated with the right breathing technique, calming the mind and heart rate, deeply oxygenating the blood and overriding emotional negativity.
“Breath is THE antidote to stress,” says katie. “Done slowly and mindfully, deep breathing will also affect the nervous system to relieve stress and anxiety, by triggering the release of neurohormones which inhibit stress-producing hormones and result in relaxation.”
BOOST ENERGY WITH TAPPING
The ancient Chinese therapy of ‘Pai Sha’, or tapping with bamboo, can “work wonders” for general wellbeing, says Katie.
Because good circulation of qi and blood is a health fundamental in Chinese medicine, she explains, when the flow is disrupted or stagnates – because of a sedentary lifestyle, stress, emotional upset or injury – it may lead to a variety of symptoms, including aches and pains, atrophy and weakness, low energy, skin issues, bad sleep, sluggish metabolism, lack of coordination and digestive issues. “Tapping the skin on a daily basis enables the free flow of this all-important circulation,”Katie explains.
“In as little as one minute a day, an all-over body tap can clear areas of stagnation, support lymphatic drainage, release tension and encourage a smooth flow of blood and qi around the body.”
SELF MASSAGE CAN IMPROVE SLEEP AND REDUCE INFLAMMATION
The ancient self-massage technique of ‘Gua Sha’ uses a round-edged tool to pressstroke the skin. It’s said to be beneficial for inflammation, muscular tension, sleep problems, coughs and fever, according to Katie, who says the technique improves microcirculation, helps release antioxidants and beneficial enzymes, and stimulates qi flow and lymphatic drainage.
“Gently encouraging the movement of lymphatic fluid, which can’t flow by itself, is great to reduce puffiness and congestion and help the body clear excess waste,” says Katie.
“You can do it anywhere and any time, either through your clothes or directly onto the skin, using oil as a lubricant.”
BOOST OVERALL HEALTH THROUGH GENTLE QIGONG MOVEMENTS
Qigong – which means ‘life force practice’ – involves slow, gentle, considered movements combined with breath and mental engagement.
Fans of Qigong often believe it can bring a host of general health and wellbeing benefits. The theory is that Qigong works the muscles and nourishes the organs but, crucially, doesn’t strain them – so it boosts oxygen uptake and circulation while the body is relaxed.
“By strengthening your life force on the inside, you’ll see the results on the outside,” says Katie.
“If you’re tired, lacking in energy, out of shape or simply not feeling great, Qigong is for you. As you do the exercises, you’re balancing the whole body. Just because it’s gentle, don’t underestimate its power and efficacy.”
REMEMBER: While complementary therapies and TCM may be something you wish to explore, always get any symptoms or health concerns checked by your GP.