HBD wins approval for 100,000 sq ft Manchester office
The developer is working in partnership with the Greater Manchester Pension Fund to deliver Island, a 10-storey scheme on John Dalton Street.
Having lodged plans for the scheme in May, Manchester City Council has now granted the joint venture planning consent and work is due to begin next year.
Island will occupy an entire block in Manchester’s central business district.
All existing buildings on the site are to be demolished to make way for the 100,000 sq ft building.
The plot is currently occupied by:
- Old Colony House, a vacant 25,968 sq ft office block
- 5 Ridgefield, an 11,748 sq ft block
- Grange House, a 17,309 sq ft building
GMPVF acquired the site from a consortium led by Bluemantle in 2011.
Island will be HBD’s first net zero carbon, smart-enabled building, the developer said.
“We have the potential to push the boundaries of what’s possible here and believe this is an important step towards a net zero carbon future,” said Adam Brady, executive director at HBD.
Cartwright Pickard is the architect for Island. Credit: CGI by Our Studio
“Island has been designed to embrace a new hybrid model of working and we look forward to bringing this to market for forward-thinking occupiers who share our ambition and values.”
Avison Young is advising GMPF and also acts as planning consultant on the project.
Joint agents for the scheme are OBI and Avison Young.
Cartwright Pickard is the architect for Island and Gardiner & Theobald is the project manager.
Elsewhere in Manchester, HBD is drawing up plans for another modern office development nearby. The developer bought the 39,000 sq ft St John’s Centre on the edge of Spinningfields last year.
Like with Island, HBD plans to demolish the existing building and redevelop the site.
Looks a good scheme. The pedestrianised road next to it will be great for the restaurants and thoroughfare
By Tomo
Not a remarkable design, better than what it currently there.
By Meeseeks
I like this scheme a lot, it will fit in nicely and replace the horrendous eyesore.
By Michael
Great news. Good design too.
By Steve
At least its brick (or brick cladding) – and not coloured steel panels or something nasty.
Reminds me very slightly of Ronaldos planned scheme for Piccadilly.
By MrP
There was the opportunity to create a destination building here. They have failed, this is a bland eyesore for such a prestigious street (the current building is pants but its time to restore some dignity to Manchester).
By Observer
I think they will struggle with future tenant demand with this as Manchester will never have the office demand it once had before lockdown
By Henry