Zurich pulls trigger on Manchester office overhaul
The investor wants to overhaul the 70,000 sq ft 35 Fountain Street once the building’s only tenant, Booking.com, completes its relocation to Manchester Goods Yard.
Working with OMI Architects, Zurich Insurance Company has drawn up proposals to refurbish the Manchester office building and extend it upwards by two floors.
The 35 Fountain Street project will see the building modernised, while the extension would add an additional 20,000 sq ft of office space. Indoor shared amenity space and an outdoor terrace would be located on the roof.
External improvements are also planned, with plans to strip the building back to its structural frame to address defects with the façade.
The façade is described by the architect as “unattractive and unwelcoming”, while the building’s curtain walling is considered “low quality and dated”.
The project is targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and a 4.5* NABERS rating.
CBRE is advising Zurich on its proposals.
To learn more, search for reference number 136013/FO/2023 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.
I remember when it was built for RSA. Mustn’t be 20 years old. A more modern look externally with the bonus of adding 2 stories. It already boasts decent underground parking and a cycle hub so will appeal. The orange brick has really seen it’s day hasn’t it
By Tomo
Good to see another deep retrofit. MCC really need to look at this adjacent section of Marble Street which leads through to Piccadilly Gardens though, really grotty.
By Bradford
Looks better in the brick tbh. New version will get dirty and grimy very quickly and looks like the architects were using Duplo when they came with it
By Tom
It does need a modern facelift by widening the windows and creating an additional two floors is great, but the red brick should still be retained. It will age much better compared to the the grey and white cladding.
By Anonymous
This looks beautiful.
By Peter
The proposed “modern” version looks awful they should leave it as it is, at least the bricks adds a bit of character to the building. Too many people with money to waste in this country….
By Anonymous
Don’t worry, brick will be back in fashion very soon!
By Digbuth O'Hooligan
I can’t believe people are getting emotional about cheap brick cladding. I’m all for preserving and adding the the warmth of Manchester’s red brick, but not this surely???
By Anonymous
New version much better.This is hardly the Kimpton clocktower hotel.
By Anonymous
The new build looks grey and grim ….awful
By Drew Steele