Wensum Wharf

Wensum Wharf

The renovation of one of Norwich’s most recognisable riverside landmarks was always going to be an exciting one, with every detail needing to reflect its new purpose. The Georgian maltings and brewery buildings that make up Wensum Wharf (previously Wensum Lodge) ooze history and character, but after lying empty for two years, were crying out for a new lease of life.

Key architect

Offices & workplaces

Location

Norwich

Date

August, 2026

With the ambition to make Wensum Wharf into a ‘wellness and creativity hub’, new owner Mark Littlewood knew he needed to go beyond just sympathetic restoration, and create workspaces that prioritised health and productivity.
As part of the refurbishment – and for the first tenant, OneAgency’s 50-strong staff – Mark upgraded to a new Zip HydroTap, having been a loyal customer of the brand for many years.
The brief

The brief

The vision for Wensum Wharf was to transform the buildings within the historic site into inspiring, creative workplaces while supporting the needs of hard-working teams.

Characterful exteriors blended seamlessly with modern, mid-century style interiors to create light, bright working environments that were both stylish and functional.

Employee experience was central to every design decision, from collaborative workspaces and social areas to practical features that make everyday working life easier. And with Mark’s marketing agency, OneAgency, moving into the first completed building, The Stables, it was vital the team had access to both boiling and chilled water in an instant.

“The OneAgency team has really embraced re-fillable water bottles over the years, as seen just by walking around the office!” says Mark. “We know how important it is to not only encourage hydration but to consciously help reduce single-use plastic, so having a chilled, filtered water tap is a no-brainer for us. But of course, there are plenty of tea drinkers in the building, and rather than having to wait for a kettle to boil, we knew that instant boiling water was a must.”

The solution

The solution

Installed within the newly designed kitchen and breakout area, the Zip HydroTap Celsius Plus All-in-One provides instant filtered boiling and chilled water, as well as hot and cold, from a single tap. The sleek design integrates seamlessly with the modern style of the office, while reducing the need for kettles and bottled water.

OneAgency also opted to include HydroCare within their package, providing peace of mind that their drinking water solution will continue to perform at its best, every day. HydroCare is delivered by Zip’s team of directly employed engineers, who have an in-depth knowledge of the HydroTap range and are trained to keep the system operating at its optimum. This means OneAgency can rely on expert support from engineers who know the product inside out, helping to ensure a consistent and reliable drinking water experience for everyone in the office.

The outcome

The outcome

The completed renovation has created a workplace that employees enjoy spending time in. Easy access to fresh, filtered water encourages better hydration throughout the day, while the kitchen has become a natural social hub where colleagues connect over drinks.

The HydroTap has become another thoughtful detail that enhances the overall employee experience, supporting collaboration, wellbeing and productivity. We’re proud to support OneAgency’s investment in creating a workplace designed around its people.

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