GMI to build part-timber Manchester office

Bywater has appointed the contractor to deliver the 87,000 sq ft redevelopment of 35 Fountain Street, which is targeting ultra-low embodied carbon levels.

GMI Construction has been picked to lead the Manchester project. It will see the existing building stripped back to its steel frame and a two-storey, 16,000 sq ft cross-laminated timber extension crafted, increasing the height of the 2002 office block.

The retention of much of the original structure, alongside the use of timber, have contributed to the building’s projected low carbon credentials.

Bywater is targeting summer 2027 for completion of the scheme and claims 35 Fountain Street, which has been designed by Bennetts Associates, will become the city’s “most sustainable office building”.

Chris Riley, development manager at Bywater, said: “We are excited to see our vision for 35 Fountain Street progress through 2026 and 2027.

“Working closely with the local council, GMI and our consultant team, we are delivering a Grade A building that sets a new benchmark for sustainability, design quality and environmental performance in Manchester.”

CBRE, which advised Zurich Insurance when it sold the building to Bywater in 2023, has provided the funding for the development and been appointed to lead the leasing effort.

Andrew Antoniades, head of lending at CBRE, said: “At a time when demand is outstripping supply in Manchester, we are excited to have funded this fantastic Grade A office space in the city.

“Fountain Street is another strong example of the Evergreen Fund’s continued commitment to supporting the region’s growth. Evergreen is a cornerstone of the £2bn lending programme managed by CBRE Lending, and our longest standing mandate.”