Bywater replaces contractor for Northstar 

Developer Bywater Properties has appointed Stretford-based CubicWorks to complete its £2m Northstar office project on Oldham Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, after the collapse of previous contractor Styles & Wood. 

The collapse of Styles & Wood, which called in administrators in February, plus the Covid-19 pandemic, has delayed the refurbishment of the 12,000 sq ft block but London-based Bywater hopes the project will complete later this year. 

Designed by architect Sheila Bird Studios, the refurbished offices will sit within the existing frame of the building with many of the original features, including the staircase and the atrium, retained and restored.  

The Bauhaus-style three-storey building will be made up of six office suites, including one on the lower ground floor, ranging from 735 sq ft to 3,000 sq ft. 

The building, which will be known as Northstar, was originally a furniture shop before being converted into offices, and was previously home to the Big Issue. 

Agencies Edwards & Co and Sixteen Real Estate have been appointed to lease the offices. CS2 is the project manager. 

Shan Khambata, director of CubicWorks, said: “The building has a well-known back story and we really believe in the vision that Bywater and the team are creating in the product.  

“For a business looking to make strides, delivering Northstar as part of the wider team is something we are really excited about.” 

Daniel Mead, head of asset management for Bywater, added: “We have been eager to get back on site at Northstar and are really pleased to be doing so alongside an organisation like CubicWorks that lives and breathes Manchester and will sit perfectly alongside the rest of our team. 

“The spaces we are creating at Northstar will not only look and feel great they will also present one or two unique twists which will attract occupiers and help them to manage the transition back to the office in the new world.”