Next phase of landmark Manchester building’s revamp gets go ahead

The next phase of the refurbishment of a landmark Manchester office building is to go ahead after plans were approved.

APAM, a UK real estate asset and investment manager, has secured planning consent for the next stage of works at Bridgewater House in Whitworth Street.

The Grade II Listed building offers more than 200,000 sq ft of office space over 10 floors and forms part of the Britannia Invest A/S (a Danish pension fund) UK-wide office portfolio.

Following planning approval, APAM, on behalf of Britannia, will invest in the region of £1m into transforming the 6,000 sq ft reception area, which is due to be completed by October.

Designed by Manchester-based Cube Architecture & Design, the new space will create a ‘hub’ offering informal meeting pods with IT connections and screens, break-out space, free WiFi, a coffee shop, and changing and shower facilities.

The works form part of a wider £2.5m investment in upgrading the building with the eighth floor currently undergoing a full refurbishment to offer Grade A office space.

Within the last nine months, the external façades of the building have also been renovated.

Peter Owen, senior asset manager at APAM , said: “Since we were appointed asset managers for Bridgewater House at the end of 2016, we have taken a number of steps to revamp the property and ensure that we can secure occupiers for 80,000 sq ft of vacant space over the next 6 – 12 months.

“The transformation of the reception is key to this. With Cube’s expertise, we have designed a scheme that’s more in keeping with the building’s cultural heritage and ensures occupiers can benefit from a communal, well-connected space with a range of convenient facilities.

“The renovations to the eighth floor follow the same design brief with a focus on modern facilities but the retention of original features such as cast iron columns, brickwork and lift shafts.

“Once complete, the refurbishment work will not only greatly enhance the building’s appearance along Whitworth Street but provide a first-class office environment that will meet the needs of tenants now and in the future.”

APAM has appointed both Savills and OBI as letting agents for the building.