Manchester’s creative Hive topped out

THE Hive – a 78,000 sq ft office development for creative industries in Manchester’s Northern Quarter – was topped out yesterday.

The ceremony marks the completion of the building’s structure, which started on site in August 2008, and is scheduled for completion by contractor Bardsley in January 2010.

Designed by HKR Architects to specifically appeal to creative businesses, The Hive includes green terraced balconies, and green building features such as vertical louvres to assist with solar shading for naturally cooled offices.

Two floors of the building will be dedicated to smaller start-up businesses in the creative and digital media sectors, with flexible space available from a one month lease.

The Arts Council England has already announced that it will be relocating to The Hive, taking just under 20,000 sq ft of office space.

Developer Argent, which is joint venture partner with Manchester City Council on the project, said it is optimistic that it will continue to act as a magnet for inward investment as more and more businesses relocate to the city.

Oliver Butler, Argent’s project manager at The Hive, said: “The building is proving very popular with Manchester’s creative industries. It has achieved a rating of BREEAM Excellent and its attributes are brilliantly set out in this incredibly environmentally friendly product.  We are offering businesses the opportunity to make their own mark, to take shell and core space and fit it out how they like.”

Sir Howard Bernstein, chief executive of the council, said: “The Northern Quarter has a distinctive identity and has become a strong brand in its own right. We are determined to preserve that character while making the most of the area’s creative, independent spirit.

“The Hive has a crucial role to play as a home for the growing media and digital sector in Manchester, and as a joint venture partner, we’re delighted to be celebrating this significant milestone in its construction programme.”