Penketh first in at Bruntwood’s Neo

Office interiors firm Penketh Group has agreed to take the whole 4,700 sq ft eighth floor at Bruntwood’s digital-led office scheme on Portland Street.

Currently based at Belvedere on Booth Street, with its head office in the Wirral, Penketh was originally commissioned to design and create the collaborative shared spaces at Neo but took the decision to move in, with Paul Mann, sales director, saying the building “completely matches the aspirations of our own brand”.

He added: “We are working with an increasing number of interior designers, architects and progressive companies in the city and the space in Neo gives us the opportunity to really showcase our products.

“Customers visiting our new showroom will be able to see our comprehensive range of products and with its panoramic views across Manchester, the Neo office will also be an inspiring and vibrant place for our growing team of designers and workplace consultants to work.”

The 12-storey building is a key part of Bruntwood’s push towards a tech-led office environment, with collaborative and co-working spaces along with communal lounges and meeting rooms, plus an external roof terrace with outdoor all- weather meeting pods. There is a £250,000 digital art space in the lobby and Bluetooth building access.

The developer is using virtual reality Samsung Gear headsets to allow agents and occupiers to take virtual tours. Neo is due to complete early in 2017.

Peter Crowther, Bruntwood’s property director, said: “In a world that’s forever changing, where technology is becoming increasingly prevalent, the property viewing experience is evolving to meet customer expectations.”