SimpsonHaugh relocates Manchester office after 25 years

Following a quarter of a century at Commercial Street in Castlefield, the latter part of which has provided views of the architectural practice’s tallest buildings at New Jackson, the firm will move to 10,700 sq ft on King Street.

SimpsonHaugh Architects has signed a 10-year lease at Orbit Developments’ 55 King Street and will take residence on the building’s recently refurbished fifth floor this summer.

The firm is behind the designs of Manchester’s tallest buildings, both completed and pipeline, including South Tower at Deansgate Square and Salboy’s Viadux 2.

Co-founders Ian Simpson and Rachel Haugh said: “We see 55 King Street as a great opportunity to locate our practice in the heart of the city in a building that we have long admired.

“We selected a complete upper floor as this allows us to gather the whole of the Manchester studio together on a single level which benefits from quality light and great views. We identified this unique opportunity early on within Orbit’s refurbishment programme, allowing us to create a bespoke environment and fit-out that directly responds to needs of our team and culture.”

SimpsonHaugh has led on the design of its new office and Jones Contracts will carry out the fit-out.

“We aim to create a fabulous, new, contemporary setting complete with amenity which provides a springboard for ongoing creativity,” the co-founders added.

Orbit Developments’ leasing director Adam Jackson said: “Our extensive remodelling works have revitalised 55 King Street, exposing the original concrete soffits and installing new all- electric HVAC system to deliver a more sustainable workspace for the next generation.”