A NEAR £1.5m refurbishment project at a major Basingstoke-based business is underway.

A £1.43m revamp project has launched at Linde Material Handling (UK) Ltd, in Pelton Road, with Amiri Interiors, a division of Fareham-based Amiri Construction has removed much of the internal walls, fittings and fixtures of the ground floor of one of the administration buildings in preparation to modernise the 13,000 sq ft area.

The plans for the refit include a new reception, catering area, breakout space, meeting rooms, ancillary spaces, and create modern toilet facilities.

There are also planned modernisation works to the existing ground floor offices while some external works will involve car parking and fencing.

Colin Blebta, finance director at Linde, said the investment will enhance working conditions and improve the experience for customers who visit the UK headquarters of the firm to view its demonstration facility.

Mr Blebta added: “The buildings on site are a legacy from the former manufacturing location. That said, we still have a team of 200 based here in Basingstoke and the new facilities, including a meeting and presentation area will greatly benefit our business and our customers.

Amiri Construction director Mark Vincent said: “It’s a great project for our interiors team that is on target to be completed in July this year. We’re very familiar with the town having carried out two projects, including the Construction Centre at the Basingstoke College of Technology.”