Bruntwood rebrands Portland Tower as Manchester One

The commercial property company are investing more than £2m to redevelop and rename the 21-storey office building at 53 Portland Street, Manchester.

The redevelopment works include landscaping, an additional 25 silver birch trees, new reception lobby, refurbished office suites, enhanced communal areas, improved glazing works and a 'fresh external look'.

The building will also be re-named 'Manchester One' as Bruntwood feels it better reflects the building's M1 postcode.

The architect on the project is Bridge Architects, whilst interior fit-outs are being handled by Read Associates, and external works by Russells Construction.

The family-owned company is hoping to attract technology and media businesses to Manchester One with future benefits including a gigabit of connectivity, and access to the building's high-speed fibre capabilities.

The development works will provide a mix of office space from 800 sq ft to 18,000 sq ft, available on short and long-term agreements, along with meeting rooms for hire, serviced office space and virtual offices.

Current tenants include Adfero, The Valuation Office, Cundall, China Insurance, Gaydio, GMATL, Serco, Tradewind recruitment, Teach First and BCH Digital.

Peter Crowther, development director of Bruntwood, said: "We're constantly re-evaluating how our buildings can deliver the best experience for our customers.

"The vibrant new reception and fresh new-look ground floor works both internally and externally, and will dramatically improve how people perceive and interact with the building."

Colin Sinclair, director of property marketing, said: "The new name celebrates what draws so many businesses to the building – its M1 postcode and central Manchester location.

"At Manchester One you're close to Piccadilly Gardens, Chinatown, Piccadilly Station, the Northern Quarter and the Oxford Road Corridor."

The redevelopment is due to complete in December 2012 when the plans for a Business Lounge, with views over the city, will be revealed.

Bruntwood acquired Portland Tower in 1994. It contains 131,000 sq ft spread over 21 floors, and is 262 ft high.