edge HQ – in the Heart of Thame
Being leading UK masterplanners, the edge team is passionate about maintaining existing and creating new communities. So, it comes as no surprise that our HQ is located in the heart of the vibrant and ancient market town of Thame in Oxfordshire.
Thame is steeped in history, and we are thrilled that our urban design studio is housed in one of its oldest buildings, The Old Saracen’s Head, and surrounded by ancient architecture, mostly dating back to the 16th century. It’s recorded that The Old Saracen’s Head was once a medieval hall and owned by a wealthy merchant. There are even rumours of the building once having tunnels to local pubs, which being such a sociable team, it is probably just as well these no longer remain!
The Old Saracen’s Head was also once a pub and closed in the early 1990’s, whereby it was lovingly restored by our landlord, a leading local architect. Since our arrival in May 2024, our studio and meeting rooms have been thoughtfully transformed to incorporate edge’s unique style and branding, resulting in modern, comfortable and welcoming spaces.
Thame was honoured to receive a formal Royal Charter in 1215, and we are most fortunate that the cattle and food markets are still thriving. We love nothing more than a stroll around the food market every Tuesday to purchase fresh fruit, veg and lunch from the multi-national stalls. Being big foodies, the edge team is also rather partial to an early evening meal from Atalay, the four times winner of the UK’s “Best Kebab Van”, which has been providing delicious food in Thame since 1988!
We are privileged that Thame’s High Street and Buttermarket are bursting with such an amazing variety of independent retail and coffee shops. We are blessed to be able to collaborate with other likeminded progressive organisations, and a particular favourite for a healthy lunch and coffee is KALI (beautifully standing for Kindness and Love Inside), which is incredibly welcoming, and we can’t resist a regular coffee and friendly chat.
As our team travel from far and wide to work in our professionally designed studio, Thame is perfectly located at the edge of the stunning Chilterns AONB and easily accessible from the M40. Thame is now home to a population of over 13,000, and thanks to its charm and history (and infamous Midsomer Murder Tours, from which we learned so much about the town from our entertaining local resident guide, Geoff) attracts visitors from all over the world.
Robin Gibb, of the Bee Gees, lived in the historic, Grade II listed medieval property The Prebendal until his passing in 2012. Robin Gibb’s family still reside in The Prebendal and remain close to the local community by supporting Thame Museum, which is in the former County Court, built in 1861. The Gibb family kindly provide fascinating Bee Gees memorabilia dating back to the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s – it’s well worth a visit if you’re a fan of disco music!
Being perfectly located in the heart of Thame, we are committed and proud to support many charities in the neighbourhood. Our teamwork activities include monthly charity bakes and annual tree planting at the local Cuttle Brook Nature Reserve. We are also weekly visitors to Thame Community Larder, providing surplus supermarket food in partnership with Fareshare, which is the national charity focusing to reduce food waste.
In September, edge’s Birmingham team participated in the Jewellery Quarter’s Park(ing) Day. This global initiative demonstrates how town and city parking spaces (5 x 3 meters each to be precise!) can be converted into a green and social space for everyone in the community to enjoy. As we focus on environmental factors and incorporate green space within our masterplanning, we wish to share the importance of the environment with local people by launching a Thame Park(ing) Day. With the support of Thame Town Council, we aim to run this significant environmental scheme in 2026, alongside other likeminded local organisations – watch this space!
Being closely linked to our local secondary school, we are privileged to assist young people gain transferable skills and confidence in the workplace by regularly offering invaluable work experience. It’s a pleasure for the edge team to support students and witness their understanding and development during their time in our studio. By attending the local secondary school’s annual careers fair ‘Future Fest’, we share our passion for bespoke development and regeneration in rural and urban areas, and this also provides the opportunity to showcase our unique industry and business.
As edge continue its success and opens more offices in towns and cities around the UK, we are excited at the prospect of being in the heart of more vibrant communities and spreading the edge magic.
Written by Rebecca
