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Opl's leading design and project management teams created category B administrative office accommodation, class rooms, a cafè area and workshop during the 19 week build programme. In addition, a purpose built press centre was created to showcase and prepare new models from the Fiat Group for key media including What Car? and Top Gear.

Simon Clark, Contracts Manager at Opl Group, said: "The industrial warehouse leased by Fiat gave us a completely blank canvas in which to create this unique facility. While the existing first floor created a great base for the office requirements, we installed a mezzanine floor to accommodate the space needed for a fully functional training centre. All of the classrooms open up onto a balcony to allow students to see practical examples and live demonstrations relating to their specific session. The mezzanine level has been built to link directly to the existing first floor as well as to the workshop on the ground floor.

The design and build of the workshop made for an unusual project as Fiat specified a number of in-ground and surface fixed ramps where deep excavations were necessary which meant having to remove large sections of the power floated warehouse floor. However, we handed over to the client on time and the finished result is fantastic."

Andy Rowe, Training Director at Fiat's Unetversity added: "Working with Opl on the press and training centre has been a great experience. We have had one key account handler who has led us through the design and development process with enthusiasm and expertise. The finished result is a unique facility that truly reflects our brands, it will be a real asset to our business and improve our training capabilities going forward."

Opl Group specialises in designing, building and furnishing workplaces throughout the UK. The company started trading in 1994 and has become synonymous with creating and delivering inspirational working environments for the likes of BAA, B&Q, BMW, Cobbetts, The Department for Business Innovation and Skills, Orange, Rolls Royce, Transport for London, University of Derby and Virgin.