Master developer Benoy, which started in Newark, celebrates 75-year anniversary
From designing cowsheds in rural Nottinghamshire to creating the world’s first Ferrari Theme Park in Abu Dhabi, master developer Benoy has stuck to its humble roots in Newark for 75 years.
Having expanded exponentially on an international level to places of architectural opulence such as Beijing, Dubai, Hong Kong, Mumbai and Shanghai; chief executive Tom Cartledge says people are always surprised to hear of Benoy’s base in Newark-on-Trent — not Newark, New Jersey, in the US.
Like many companies that have sky-rocketed to success, Benoy hasn’t just upped and left its hometown, but continues to embrace its modest beginnings of more than seven decades ago when Tom Cartledge’s father, Graham, was in charge, while also adapting to a changing and past-paced society.
Benoy started its life as a three-person architect firm designing cowsheds in rural Nottinghamshire in 1947 and, over the past 75 years, has come a long way to say the least, and has been joined by three sister businesses — Holmes Wood, Pragma Consulting and Uncommon Land — forming the family of businesses known as Handley House.
With eight design studios and two business development offices around the world, plus projects in more than 50 countries, the architecture studio has proven expertise in delivering buildings and understanding the long-term value they can provide.
The brand continues to evolve, innovate and now boasts a portfolio of projects and clients — everything from the redevelopment of Nottingham Forest’s City Ground and designing of INTU Broadmarsh in Nottingham, to the Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore and Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi.
Of the 75th anniversary, chief executive Mr Cartledge said: “I am incredibly proud to lead this business. When I took on the role of CEO from our now-chairman and my father, Graham Cartledge, one of my first actions was to build on the strength of the Benoy network that he had created.
“I wanted to broaden our expertise and provide a collaborative space where design for people and place came together. Bringing together research and creativity as a group offering, we began to see the results that leading-edge thinking can deliver through design.
“We have also diversified our skills and services not only to be different, but in direct response to the changing world in which we are living.”
He said Benoy’s story was one of evolution, working in partnership with others for the greater benefit of present and future generations.
“Despite the changes, what has remained constant is our unwavering commitment to meet the needs of those who live in, work in and use the places we create,” said Mr Cartledge.
“To that end, social well-being, sustainable development and economic prosperity remain at the heart of everything we do.
“To our clients, friends, collaborators and staff, thank you for your support over the years and we look forward to continuing the journey with you.
“From the Shires to Shanghai, we have come a long way, but we have not forgotten who we are.”
Benoy’s latest projects include Alibaba’s Central China Headquarters & Industrial Community in Wuhan, China; the new City Ground redevelopment for Nottingham Forest; and the Bahrain International Airport Terminal.
Throughout its history of achievements, Benoy has received global recognition from competitions for its architectural innovations, business, sustainability and workplace lifestyle.
It boasts two BUILD Architecture awards in 2021, Gold at the World Architecture News Awards in 2021, multiple awards at MIPIM across multiple categories since 2009, and a Queen’s award for the International Trade Category in 2008, to name but a few.
The firm is expanding more than ever with its recently-opened offices in both Shenzhen, China, and Santa Monica, America, now taking its total of international locations to ten.
