Phoenix House refurb gets under way

C4 Projects has started on a £2m refurbishment of the 11,400 sq ft eight-storey office building on Cross Street in central Manchester.

The Lymm-based company will carry out a 26-week programme providing architectural, design, cost consultancy, and project management services, while JLL has been appointed as the sole agent.

Features including the existing marble floors will be restored while the building’s original open-plan floor plate will be reinstated. Built in 1928 for its original occupier Yorkshire Insurance Company, Phoenix House also has two retail units on the ground floor. It is owned by a private landlord.

James Pass, director at C4, said: “This is a rare city centre opportunity, to restore a building steeped in history. We look forward to reviving the original charm of Phoenix House whilst incorporating our client’s own vision to create contemporary office accommodation.”

James Devaney, Director at JLL, added: “City Centre office vacancy is the lowest it has been for a number of years; however, occupier demand for good quality office space remains strong Phoenix House will fill this gap and offer occupiers best is class contemporary office space, within an iconic period building, in an extremely well-connected location. It will most definitely be an attractive proposition for forward thinking occupiers, and we look forward to bringing Phoenix House to the market in the summer.”