HBD sets out Island site intentions
The developer has submitted plans for the long-awaited central Manchester scheme, revealing a 100,000 sq ft ten-storey scheme including a basement events space and a roof terrace.
Designed by architecture practice Cartwright Pickard, appointed in February last year, HBD said that the proposal “is sympathetic to the surrounding buildings and the area’s history, keeping an authentic Manchester heritage feel with detailed brickwork and an industrial feel”.
HBD is delivering Island in partnership with the Greater Manchester Property Venture Fund. Avison Young advises GMPVF and also acts as planning consultant on the project, as well as being joint agent on the scheme with OBI.
Gardiner & Theobald is engaged as project manager.
Following consultation with the city council, HBD is proposing the pedestrianisation of a section of Ridgefield, tying in with the city’s drive to improve pedestrian links between Lincoln Square and St Ann’s Square.
The Island scheme has been designed by Cartwright Pickard
Adam Brady, executive director at HBD, said: “Island is the first building in Manchester to be designed post-pandemic and the design reflects that.
“It won’t just look great, it’ll be a place where people feel happy to spend their time, whether they’re working or relaxing.
“We’re creating a great community at Kampus and we’ll look to do the same at Island. We want to offer something new and exciting. It’ll be the best space in the city.”
HBD, then known as Henry Boot Developments, was selected by GMPVF in 2017 as its partner for the Island site, a plot that has long been regarded as a big opportunity in the city’s commercial heart, offering the ability to greatly increase the volume of office space available.
The site as it stands houses three buildings, Grange House, Old Colony House, and Ridgefield, which offer a combined 55,000 sq ft.
GMPVF acquired the site from a consortium led by Bluemantle in 2011.
Other projects designed by Cartwright Pickard include the XYZ Building in Spinningfields. As referenced by Brady, HBD and partner Capital & Centric are currently in the midst of delivering Kampus, a £250m mixed-use scheme off Manchester’s Aytoun Street.
