Bruntwood presses on with Manchester bank conversion
The developer has enlisted a project team comprising architect and interior designer AXI, engineer Hilson Moran and planner Paul Butler Associates to progress the conversion of a listed Mosley Street building.
As first revealed by Place North West in November, Bruntwood Works wants to redevelop the former RBS bank into around 30,000 sq ft of offices, and a restaurant within the former banking hall.
“The proposals will provide high quality ‘CAT A’ fit-out to the office space with a variety of formats provided to meet future occupier requirements,” according to a planning statement by Paul Butler Associates.
Cycle storage, gym space and showers will be provided in the basement.
Soft-strip work to remove partition walls, suspended ceilings and dated M+E equipment has already taken place, while a listed building application for the main body of works has now been lodged with Manchester City Council.
Bruntwood has said the scheme will aim to meet the company’s net zero carbon targets. It is set for a 2023 completion.
“We’re dedicated to delivering our vision for the modern workspace, creating inspiring places that reflect the thriving city centres where they are located while bringing balance and wellness to our working lives,” said Joshua Hancock, head of commercial at Bruntwood Works.
“With the proposals for 38-42 Mosley Street, we have a unique opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind work and leisure destination in the heart of Manchester; a historic building brought back to life as a cutting-edge workspace.”
The grade two-listed Mosley Street building was constructed in 1862 for the Manchester and Salford Bank. It was acquired by the Royal Bank of Scotland in 1931.
Bruntwood bought the building, which is connected to another of its properties, 57 Spring Gardens, in 2004. 57 Spring Gardens could be redeveloped in later phases of the project.
The scheme forms part of an ongoing strategy that has seen several of Bruntwood’s city centre assets upgraded.
So far in Manchester, Neo, 
111 Piccadilly, Blackfrairs House and Bloc , previously known as Lowry House, have all been comprehensively redeveloped as part of the company’s Pioneer programme.
A grand building like this is surely worthy of another Michelin star restaurant!
Would be even better if they moved the Metrolink underground along Mosely St and pedestrianised it so tables and chairs could be laid out. Possibly even a linear park???
By Anonymous
Nice idea re underground Metro, think the cost would be prohibitive though!
By Anonymous
Moving the entire met underground before Deansgate (where it rises to Axis) and Victoria and replacing the tracks with cycle lanes and linear parks is when Manchester would be truly taking things to the next level. Provides more scope for expansions in the future as well.
By Anonymous
Really? Underground tram on Mosley St? Get real. And where would the tunnel begin and end? Ridiculous idea
By Steve
@Steve
The entire city centre network needs moving underground between Victoria and Deansgate.
Get real? This is how other cities are doing it outside of the UK and a number of cities in the UK already have networks like this.
By Anonymous
Liverpool have their Merseyrail services run underground in the city centre yet Manchester should get real?
By Big Dub
Underground sections would be a wonderful idea, I just can’t see how any developer could cost it in, the government just wouldn’t assist the council in funding something like this. London maybe but anywhere else?.
By Anonymous