Lanpro Rises to the Penthouse in York’s Iconic Terry’s Chocolate Factory

Ever walked past an old, grand building and wondered what’s going on inside now? In York, one of the most famous buildings has a brand-new story. The old Terry’s Chocolate Factory, a place with a seriously sweet history, is now home to the expanding team of a planning consultancy called Lanpro. They haven't just moved into any old room, either. They’ve gone right to the top, setting up their new office in a stunning penthouse suite, and it’s a perfect example of how old buildings can get a brilliant new lease of life.

From chocolate factory to chic office

Picture this: a building from the 1920s that used to be the beating heart of a world-famous chocolate empire. That’s Stanley Harrison House at The Chocolate Works. It’s a Grade II listed building, which is a special way of saying it’s so historically important that it's protected. Instead of letting it gather dust, it's been cleverly reimagined. The planning consultancy, Lanpro, has just moved its York team from the ground floor right up into a modern penthouse suite, effectively doubling its space.

This isn't just any old office. The new space is a mix of open-plan areas for the team to collaborate, along with dedicated meeting rooms and a proper boardroom for important chats with clients. It’s part of the much bigger Chocolate Works development, a project that has transformed the whole factory site. What was once a place for making chocolate is now a vibrant area with landmark residential homes and smart commercial buildings. This regeneration is a massive success story for York, and Lanpro is now right in the middle of it. And they're doing it with a conscience. Their new office boasts some clever environmental features, like air source heat pumps (which cleverly pull heat from the air outside to warm the inside) and solar panels to heat the water. This fits perfectly with the company's focus on high environmental standards and sustainable development.

A team with a sweet history

What makes this move even more fitting is the team’s personal connection to the place. It turns out that Lanpro’s Director of Design, Mark Topping, actually worked on the landscape masterplan for the entire Chocolate Works site earlier in his career, long before he joined the consultancy. Talk about coming full circle. It’s this kind of personal history and characterful detail that makes the story more than just a corporate expansion. The team isn't just renting an office; they're becoming part of the building's ongoing heritage.

The company’s growth in York has been pretty impressive. In just four years, the Lanpro office has gone from a single employee to a 22-strong team. That kind of rapid growth shows just how much their expertise is in demand. Antony Duthie, the Development Director of Lanpro, summed it up perfectly.

“It’s great to be able to grow our presence in York while staying in such a characterful and historically rich setting.”

“The Chocolate Works is a landmark of reinvention, and our new penthouse suite gives us the space to keep expanding while reflecting the quality and environmental standards we bring to our projects.”

This expansion isn't just about a bigger office; it's about cementing their place in a city they're helping to shape, all from a penthouse suite with a remarkable history.

What exactly does this planning consultancy do?

So, what does a "planning consultancy" actually do? Essentially, they are the experts who help make sure new buildings and development projects get built in the best possible way. The Lanpro team helps with everything from the initial idea to getting the right permissions. They're a multi-disciplinary consultancy, which means their team has specialists in lots of different areas—from design and architecture to environmental science and heritage.

Their projects come in all shapes and sizes. They might be working on:

• Small residential schemes (think a handful of new houses).
• Major strategic development projects involving over 10,000 homes and new commercial buildings.
• Nationally important renewable energy infrastructure.

The planning process for any development can be complicated, but having a knowledgeable team makes all the difference. Lanpro's environment-led approach ensures that their projects are not just well-designed but also sustainable. This commitment to quality and thoughtful development is what has fuelled their growth not just in York, but across their other offices in London, Cambridge, Norwich, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Bath.

Celebrating with a nod to the past

How do you celebrate opening a new office in a former chocolate factory? With plenty of chocolate, of course. To mark the opening of their new penthouse suite, the Lanpro team invited clients and guests for a celebration. It was a fantastic event, allowing everyone to see the new office and celebrate the team’s success. Alongside the usual drinks and delicious canapés, guests were treated to Chocolate Oranges—a perfect tribute to the building's delicious heritage.

It was a clever touch that showed the company’s appreciation for its unique surroundings. The event for clients and guests wasn't just about celebrating business growth; it was about acknowledging the history of their new home. This move represents a new chapter for the Lanpro York office, one that respects the past while building for the future. The combination of ambitious projects, a growing team, and a landmark office in the Chocolate Works proves that this consultancy is set for even greater things.