£1m revamp for Grade II-listed city centre offices

THE Chancery, a Grade II-listed office building in Manchester’s central business core is undergoing a £1m refurbishment.

The project is being overseen by Knight Frank’s project and building consultancy team.

Knight Frank advised new owner’s Rockspring on the acquisition of the historic building last year and the upgrade that will see significant investment bringing The Chancery up to modern Grade A specification.

Knight Frank’s commercial team has now also been retained to let the building which is situated on Spring Garden, opposite the Gotham Hotel, and has a total of 50,000sq ft of office accommodation.

Head of office David Porter said: “Taking an important building like The Chancery through all three stages – acquisition, redevelopment and marketing demonstrates the depth of skills in the office with our teams working closely together for the benefit of the client and existing tenants.”

The 22-week build programme is being carried out by contractor Dragonfly and works include a radical transformation of the reception and upgrade of the main entrance, refurbishment of all lift lobbies and the main stairwell and improvements to the heating, cooling and ventilation system.
 
Nick Platt from the firm’s project and building consultancy said: “We are very excited to see work start on significant changes and improvements that will make The Chancery a better working environment.

“We are committed to ensuring it will be business as usual for existing tenants who were consulted on the upgrade and we are working with the contractor to minimise disruption.”

The interior design is by Fletcher Crane.

Matt Shufflebottom, Office Agency surveyor said: “The Chancery’s USP is its location. It is extremely well placed in the heart of Manchester’s traditional business core and will provide occupiers with modern, high quality office accommodation.”

“A total of 19,500sq ft is available within the building with suites ranging from 3,500sq ft up to 6,900sq ft over a single floor. We expect strong demand for the remaining space and look forward to welcoming new tenants into the building.”