New home for creative and digital industries hits practical completion
Manchester Creative Digital Assets (MCDA) has announced that Grade A office building Arbeta has achieved practical completion.
The £9.95m transformation of the building, previously known as One Central Park, is creating 138,000 sq ft of work space aimed at digital, tech, creative and media businesses.
Sir Richard Leese, leader, Manchester City Council, said: “Arbeta will build on the successful community of collaborative businesses we see at its sister building, The Sharp Project.
“Arbeta will welcome like-minded, enterprising and innovative businesses working across the creative, digital and tech sectors.”
Designed by PRP Architects, Arbeta sees the original three-block building unified into one through the addition of a new ETFE roof creating a 9,100 sq ft central, full height atrium which will be used for communal working and events.
A striking steel staircase links the three floors of workspace together with new walkways around each level.
Located just a few minutes from The Sharp Project and two minutes from Central Park Metrolink stop, Monsall, Arbeta offers Grade A workspace fit for modern industry with space available from 1,400 sq ft to 71,900 sq ft.
There is ample cycle and car parking, a shower block, 24/7 access, collaboration and event space, a range of meeting rooms and onsite cafe.
OBI is sole leasing agent for Arbeta.
Andrew Cowell, transactions and asset management, OBI, said: “Arbeta is going to be fantastic addition, not just to The Sharp Project family, but to the Manchester market.
“The creative workspace and amenity will attract occupiers from the tech, creative and media sectors and this will be a place to support innovation and creativity and for ambitious business to have the space to grow.”
MCDA, part of Manchester City Council, operates The Sharp Project, Space Studios and Screen Manchester, as well as Arbeta. The Sharp Project is home to more than 60 digital entrepreneurs and production companies specialising in digital content production, digital media and TV and film production.
Colin Johnson, managing director (operations) MCDA, said: “Arbeta joins our successful family of work spaces designed, curated and managed to encourage the growth of the creative industries in Manchester.
“More importantly, local people have found training and employment opportunities through The Sharp Project and Space Studios and we see Arbeta as an opportunity to continue that success.”
Vinci Construction was the main contractor on the project.
A second phase of work to transform the outside of the building will be completed later in the year.
Due to the original building being completely revamped, a change of name and brand was undertaken working with creative agency Modern Designers. Arbeta is derived from the Swedish word to work. It is also a nod to the beta phase of software development.
