Makeover for Dow Chemicals’ Cheadle HQ

Fit-out specialist Red Tree has been appointed to complete the interior of the US multinational’s UK and Ireland headquarters, the base build of which completed last year.

Red Tree is to fit out the 26,000 sq ft office at Cheadle Royal Business Park, two floors of which Dow Chemicals pre-leased in 2018 while Muse Developments was overseeing the building’s planning and construction.

The value of the contract is £2.5m, according to Red Tree, which intends to finish the work on 19 August and hand over the property to Dow. The project team also includes consultancies Knight Frank, KJ Tait and Fairhurst Design Group.

Dow signed a pre-let on the building on Oakwater Avenue in 2018 to accommodate its UK and Ireland expansion strategy and be closer to a strong customer base in the North of England. The fit-out is planned to provide aim to provide Grade A offices, a machine hall, laboratory facilities and seminar rooms.

Around 40 staff will be based at the facility including Dow’s national management team, technical and sales office, and a product research and development function. Cheadle Royal Business Park is a £175m office scheme developed by Muse, set in mature parkland and located within easy access of Manchester Airport.

“It’s great to see a global player such as Dow put its roots down in Greater Manchester,” said Tom Eccles, director and founder of Manchester-based Red Tree. “This project is on our doorstep and working with a Fortune 500 multinational is exciting for our business.

“We look forward to transforming this space into a facility for this innovative and world leading business.”

Stevie Leigh, head of interiors at Fairhurst Design Group, added: “The overall design is vibrant, contemporary and will provide Dow’s staff with a fresh, collaborative environment.

“Sustainability is at the core of Dow’s ethos. Climate protection, circular economy and safer materials are integral drivers for the company’s future, so internal finishes have been selected carefully to align with its values.”