Green light for £100m Co-op HQ
COUNCIL planning chiefs have give the green light for the Co-operative Group’s new £100m headquarters in Manchester.
The new 325,000sq ft base, which will be built on land on Miller Street, opposite the Co-operative Insurance tower, will serve as the head office for The Co-operative Group, the UK’s largest mutual retailer.
Chief Executive Peter Marks said: ”This is another important step towards our new head office building which is planned to open in 2012 and it further underlines the continuing relationship between the group and the city.
“We intend the building to reflect the continuing success and ethical values of the organisation in its design, construction and its relationship both with employees and surrounding communities.”
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council said: “This major commitment that the Co-operative movement is making to Manchester is enormously welcome.
“The iconic headquarters building is the clearest demonstration possible of a strong approach to quality and the creation of a place where people will want to work and visit.
“We look forward to continuing to work with The Co-operative on the delivery of the new HQ building, which will begin next year, and on the wider masterplan for what will become a significant part of the regional centre.”
The building, designed by architects 3D Reid, features a large central atrium. It will be one of the most environmentally sustainable in Europe.
The new head office will represent the first phase in the redevelopment and regeneration of the group’s 20-acre site, located at the city’s Northern Gateway and bounded by Miller Street and Corporation Street.
