Mysterious ‘Tomorrow’ digital project takes 180,000 sq ft

SPECULATION is mounting that Apple is involved in an ultra-secretive project in Manchester, after a letting of 180,000 sq ft of office space across 20 buildings was confirmed.

The deal has been known as “Project Digital” in property circles but a statement issued today called it “Tomorrow” where “each site will host ground-breaking technology that will enable local firms to explore and access business solutions.”

There is still no word on the identity of the companies behind it, but speculation is rife that the world’s most valuable company Apple is involved.

The statement said a “collaboration of global companies” is working to bring a “groundbreaking concept to Manchester”.

It added: “The technology will be linked across all 20 buildings to facilitate collaborative problem solving, new product/service development and commercial innovation.”

Andrew Timms, director at Edwards & Co, was appointed to acquire and advise on the Manchester portfolio, as well as handle the future roll out in London.

He said: “We have had to work off market and ask for a lot of trust from landlords and office agents in lining up the deals, as we are unable to disclose who the tenant is as yet, with only the reassurance that the covenant is of the highest standard.”

Terms have been agreed on 10-year leases at each location, of which 19 are in the city centre and one is in Knutsford.

Atul Bansal, co-founder of interior design practice the Sheila Bird Group, has worked on the project for the past two years as the design director.

Richard Parkinson at Turner Parkinson solicitors has provided legal advice and Ben Davies at The Neighbourhood has been hired to launch the concept.

Mr Bansal said: “As design director my team and I have had the opportunity to explore new ideas, pushing the boundaries to create a revolutionary concept. All of the spaces will differ both in style and design intent; none of the spaces will have a corporate style. 
 
“There is nothing like this anywhere else in the world. The walls will be ‘alive’ and ‘Tomorrow’ will drive a new approach to work interactions and conversations.”

Thirteen of the buildings involved are:

The Hive, 47 Lever Street, The Northern Quarter
1 New York Street
Chancery Place
Orange, MediaCityUK
Number One First Street
The Peninsula Manchester
Riverside, New Bailey Street
304, Bridgewater Place
Towers, Manchester
Booths Park, Knutsford
Citilabs
196 Deansgate
Manchester Science Park.

A spokesman for Bruntwood, one of the property companies involved, said: “Bruntwood is delighted to be associated with the project – we can’t comment further at this stage.”