The Switch

The Switch, Award Winning Restauranteurs Land At Green Park

• Creating a new food and drink destination at the heart of Green Park
• Balancing bold design, operational efficiency and community focused dining
• A collaborative project by ifse, Mapletree, and local operator The Switch

Introduction

As part of a wider strategic revitalisation of the amenities at Green Park, ifse were invited by Mapletree, the estate management company, to help reimagine the heart of Lime Square. The ambition was to create a new centre anchored by multiple food and beverage outlets, offering a vibrant social hub for the many offices across the development.

Central to this vision was the introduction of The Switch, a local award winning operator known for its quality driven, community led approach to food. The challenge was to design a space that would attract passing trade, support busy daytime service and transition seamlessly into a relaxed evening offer.

ifse were appointed at the initial design phase to work closely with both Green Park and The Switch to create a destination that would set the tone for the wider offering and establish a new benchmark for dining at Green Park.

What we did

Working on site with the client team, we developed initial concept sketches of the previously vacant retail unit. Multiple layout options were explored, testing servery locations, customer flow, and seating arrangements to ensure the final design would support both high-volume daytime trade and a relaxed evening offer.

The agreed design focused on creating a space with strong character and warmth, while remaining practical and efficient. Natural materials and raw finishes were used to give the interior an authentic, contemporary feel, with rough plaster walls and exposed ceiling services contrasted by soft furnishings and warm lighting. Biophilic elements were central to the scheme, including a large feature green wall with The Switch neon logo and planting suspended from the ceiling, reinforcing the connection between inside and out.

Equal attention was given to the customer journey and operational performance. A bold, angular servery was designed to showcase freshly prepared food, complemented by bespoke back lit shelving and carefully selected finishes that strengthened the brand identity. Zoned seating, including central banquettes, traditional dining areas and a dedicated grab and go lounge, allowed the space to cater for different dining styles. Behind the scenes, a compact but well equipped kitchen was carefully planned to support the delivery of The Switch’s award winning menu within an efficient footprint.

Challenges

Working within a small footprint while delivering a high quality, multi offer food concept was a key challenge. The kitchen in particular required careful coordination to accommodate a large amount of equipment in a limited area without compromising workflow or food quality.

Equally important was ensuring the venue could operate effectively across different dayparts. The design needed to support busy breakfast and lunch periods for office workers, while also creating an atmosphere that would encourage customers to stay into the evening. Achieving this balance relied on close collaboration between operator, client and design team, refining details until both operational and experiential goals were met.

The result

The Switch has quickly established itself as a cornerstone of the new offer at Green Park. The space feels warm, relaxed and authentic, drawing praise from customers for its welcoming atmosphere and “home vibes” across social media.

The client and operator were delighted with the outcome, highlighting the way design and functionality work hand in hand to support an award winning food offer. The project demonstrated how thoughtful, collaborative design can transform a previously underused retail unit into a vibrant destination that serves both its immediate community and the wider business park.

From day one, The Switch has made a strong impact at Green Park. Fully booked with queues out the door at launch, it has quickly built a loyal following, driven by exceptional food and a welcoming destination experience. Guests leave keen to return, creating the ideal conditions for repeat visits and long term success.

Dominic Ryan, Senior Designer at ifse said the following about the refurbishment:

“Designing The Switch was an immensely rewarding experience. Early trust in our design process allowed for close collaboration, resulting in a vibrant, bohemian and welcoming space that captures the soul and passion of The Switch brand and delivers a standout final result.”