Argent’s Hive wins BCO award

ARGENT’S The Hive building in Manchester has won a British Council of Offices award for best commercial workplace in the North region, which comprises the north of England, North Wales and Northern Ireland.

The 80,000 sq ft building, which is a joint venture with Manchester City Council, was designed to BREEAM “Excellent” standard by architects Jon Matthews, Carly Grice and John Crellin of Manchester based 5plus Architects.

It features a natural ventilation system, green roofs and a large cycle store with showers and drying facilities.

The building was completed last year and over 30,000 sq ft of the space has been let to two tenants – Arts Council England has taken 18,000 sq ft and serviced meeting space provider The Studio has taken 12,500 sq ft.

Oliver Butler, project manager for Argent said: “Argent is thrilled that the Hive has received this important award and it is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved in the design, build and management of the building.”

John Crellin, project architect at 5plus Architects, said:  “As the project architect, I am immensely proud of The Hive which has innovation, sustainability and simplicity at its core.”