Contractors shortlisted for Old Granada Studios

Five contractors are bidding to build Allied London’s Old Granada Studios development, which includes a hotel, residential, and office space in Manchester.

Place North West understands Bam, Kier, McLaren, Vinci, and Wates are all tendering for the project, with a contractor expected to be chosen by the summer. Once a contractor is in place, construction work could start later in the year.

Wates was originally lined up as main contractor for the scheme when plans were first submitted in 2015, having prepared a construction method statement and phasing plan which outlined a two-year construction programme.

However, following extensive design changes submitted by architect Levitt Bernstein last December, Allied London has chosen to re-tender the project, opening up the scheme to the four new bidders, alongside previous bidder Wates.

Bam has previously worked with Allied London on No1 Spinningfields, while McLaren worked with the developer on the XYZ Building.

Changes since the original 2015 application include increasing hotel space, adding rooftop swimming pools, and replacing an eight-storey office with a 10-storey residential block.

The wider development includes a 210-bed hotel in the refurbished Granada TV office building, which will be operated as a Mollies Motel & Diner by members’ club operator Soho House. The previous application included a 150-bed hotel.

December’s planning application has also added a 4,000 sq ft glazed rooftop extension to the Granada TV building, housing a bar and restaurant for hotel guests.

The developer also plans to replace a planned glazed arcade, which would have run through to Atherton Street, with a modular workspace block. Designed to house start-ups and SMEs, the addition forms part of Allied London’s wider Enterprise City brand.

Additional space at the Granada television studios will be kept for use as an events venue and as a studio facility. Studios 02, 06, 08, and 12 will all be retained as part of the plans. Studio 08 was originally slated to be demolished in the original proposals.

The plans have not yet been discussed by Manchester City Council’s planning committee.

Allied London was unable to comment when contacted by Place North West.