Work set to start on multi-million redevelopment of former TV studios
Work is set to start on the multi-million re-development of Manchester’s Old Granada Studios.
Independent building and project consultancy Paragon has been instructed by property developer and investment company Allied London on the scheme which will see the 1970s building transformed into a new hotel, offices, flats and shops.
The scheme is Paragon’s second new instruction in Manchester with Allied London this year, following its appointment on the ABC Project in August.
A team led by Paragon director and head of the Manchester office, James Onions, will provide Allied London with project management services on the development.
The plans, which are part of the £1.35bn Enterprise City masterplan for St. John’s, include the refurbishment of four television studios, a 210-bed hotel with rooftop swimming pool, bar and restaurant, a nine-storey building with retail, office and residential space, and modular workspace for start-ups.
Chairman and chief executive of Allied London Michael Ingall, said: “Our vision at Enterprise City is to build a sustainable new creative, tech and media cluster for Manchester.
“The redevelopment of the studios will play a big part in our plans as All Studios goes from strength to strength, alongside our ABC Buildings and Bonded Warehouse projects.”
“Paragon has an outstanding reputation in the industry, which is why we originally appointed them on our ABC development.
“Impressed by the team’s approach and commitment, and with a shared vision for Enterprise City, we are confident that James and his team will help us achieve our ambitions of creating a new cluster for Manchester.”
The instruction follows a merger between Paragon and Bond Davidson in May 2018, creating a £22m business and one of the largest independent consultancies in the UK.
Paragon is currently advising on projects with a total construction value of over £5bn.
Founded in London in 2009, Paragon opened its Manchester office in 2015.
Based at the Freetrade Exchange, the consultancy’s clients include Select Property Group, Praxis, Northwood, Legal & General, LaSalle and Daiwa Capital Markets. The business now employs nearly 200 people, across additional offices in Edinburgh and Esher.
James Onions said: “Enterprise City is one of the most exciting developments in the UK at the moment and we’re incredibly proud to be working with Allied London once again on such a major project.
“The Old Granada Studios redevelopment will further strengthen the city’s creative, tech and digital credentials, and attract more businesses and investment to Manchester.”
Paragon has expertise in all aspects of building surveying, project management, project monitoring, cost consultancy, M&E consultancy, environmental consultancy, occupier services, drone surveying, rights of light and party wall services.
