Plans in for rooftop terrace at evolving First Street office

Having acquired the 167,000 sq ft Manchester building earlier this year, Alinor and Oval are progressing plans to reposition One Tony Wilson Place, which is at a “pivotal stage in its life cycle”.

Upon acquiring the building, the new owners pledged to invest £34m to bring it up to the standards expected by modern occupiers.

Tony Wilson Place is currently vacant following the departure of AutoTrader to the newly completed No3 Circle Square, presenting the opportunity for a comprehensive refresh for the First Street office.

Part of the plan is to create a 3,000 sq ft roof terrace as part of an upgraded amenity offer. A similar approach has been taken at other new Manchester office buildings, including Aviary and Island.

Other elements of the refurb include significant interventions to improve the asset’s sustainability. It currently has an EPC of D but the target is A. A new entrance and refreshed cladding are also proposed; these elements already have planning approval.

Jmarchtiects is leading on design and JLL is leading the project on behalf of the applicant.

To learn more, search for reference number PLA-2026-000441 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.