First look at Aedas’ 240,000 sq ft Force HQ

The design for the new £64m headquarters for Greater Manchester Police was unveiled at Central Park in east Manchester earlier today.

Designed by Aedas, the office building will total 240,000 sq ft and occupy a six-acre plot at the park. It is one of the largest office deals in the UK this year.

Greater Manchester Police Authority said the office would aim for a BREEAM rating of 'excellent'. The six-storey building will feature coloured glass and stone and be lit blue at night. There will also be a two-level decked car park.

Planning approval was given by Manchester City Council in April 2009 and work will begin on site this month, with completion scheduled for March 2011.

Ask:Goodman, developing the park on behalf of urban regeneration company New East Manchester, said that it was hugely positive that the GMP have chosen to relocate over 1,000 staff to a bespoke building at one of Manchester's premier business parks.

David Burkinshaw, director at Ask Developments, said: "GMPA's decision is great news for Central Park and the wider Greater Manchester area. Located on a prime plot adjacent to the new gateway transport interchange and Metrolink station, GMP will be moving in to an extremely sustainable and outstanding corporate HQ building. Central Park will provide GMP with a fantastic base giving access to the community to operate state of the art policing services. The relocation of more than 1,000 staff will significantly increase Central Park's business community, creating a critical mass of 600,000 sq ft when the building completes."

GMP is relocating from Chester House in Trafford. Eddie Smith, chief executive of New East Manchester, said: "This is another coup for east Manchester and will put Central Park firmly on the map. Having such a high profile organisation based here will bring significant investment and jobs to the area."

Ask:Goodman were advised by Lambert Smith Hampton and Cushman & Wakefield. DTZ advised GMPA.