Bruntwood SciTech puts £17m Manchester One investment into motion
The 21-storey Portland Street building will be fully refurbished under the joint venture’s plans, which also include a four-storey, 30,000 sq ft extension.
Bruntwood SciTech – the JV between Bruntwood, L&G, and the Greater Manchester Pension Fund – has submitted its plans to overhaul the 1960s Manchester One to the city council for consideration.
The 131,000 sq ft building is the latest in the JV’s Manchester portfolio to come forward for repositioning following the likes of Blackfriars House, 111 Piccadilly, and Pall Mall.
The scheme, designed by Bridge Architects, would see £17m invested in the building, which is home to 30 businesses.
The most-eye-catching part of the proposal is a new-build four-storey block that would feature a new arrival and reception for the scheme.
Other elements contained within the four-storey extension include an F&B offering, lounges, and a rooftop terrace.
As far as the existing tower is concerned, all of the windows would be replaced. Internally, the workspace would be refurbished. Overall, the vision is to create “a modern, sustainable workspace while retaining and celebrating [the building’s] 1960s architectural heritage”, according to Bruntwood SciTech.
Cubicworks has been appointed as fit-out contractor and, subject to planning approval, work is scheduled to complete in early 2028.
Matthew Morten, building and construction director at Bruntwood SciTech, said: “Manchester One has been an enduring fixture of the city for decades and is synonymous with Manchester’s skyline.
“These proposals represent our commitment to ensuring it remains both sustainable and inspiring, and the £17m investment is a clear statement of intent about the building’s importance to both our portfolio and to Manchester.”
Looks like a great scheme! Celebrating Manchester’s Modernist post-war heritage, retrofitting an existing building whilst subtly repairing the broken urban form (also a legacy of the city’s post-war planning efforts). Really growing to enjoy the eclectic visual character along Portland Street – celebrates almost 300 years of the cities history in a single view!
By Anonymous
Looks like a great scheme. The land on the corner is under utilised and the proposed landscaping looks good. Let’s hope the trees do actually get planted though!
By Steve
I’ve worked in the building and it is in need of a serious upgrade and I don’t think 17 million will be enough to bring it up to the standards and efficiencies that a new build would bring.
By Pete
As long as Yates is staying this scheme will be a success!!
By Anonymous
The trees alone will make a huge difference. A definite improvement on what’s already there all round.
By Tom
Glad it’s being repurposed. Spent many a time back in the day gazing out of the canteen window on the top.
By Anonymous
Nice looking scheme
By Craig
Bit of artwork on the blank wall(s) would be better
By Anonymous