Thumbs up for St James’s Tower expansion

Planners have given the go ahead for plans for the extension of the ground and first floor offices at St James’s Tower on Charlotte Street in central Manchester.

The city council has agreed plans submitted by building owner British Airways Pension Fund which will result in new retail and leisure units at ground level and Grade A office space on the first floor, providing an internal area of 14,941sq ft.

The plan retains the double height entrance to the reception on Charlotte Street outlining the position of the tower behind it and reflecting the historic street pattern through the site.

OBI Property is acting in an asset management capacity and is also projecting managing the construction works.

Joe Weilding, building consultancy, OBI Property said: “We are pleased the new plans for St James’s Tower have been approved.

“The extension will provide a new street presence a building the size of St James’s Tower deserves, making a destination for new retail and leisure operators in the city centre and providing much needed Grade A office space over a large single floor plate.”

The expansion follows JLT’s recent decision to commit to the building until 2031 in 26,000sq ft across the second and third floors and an additional 17,750sq ft of new office lettings completed over the past 12 months.

The project team comprises OBI Property, Zerum, AHR Architects, Clancy Consulting, Donald Insall Associates, REDS and Sandy Brown.

Diane Ellis, associate planner, Zerum said: “The extended ground and first floor of St James Tower will create a striking addition to Charlotte Street and pull the building forward to fully engage with the street, respecting the building’s context in the vibrant city centre.”

The extended ground and first floors will be constructed of full height high-quality curtain walling complimenting the existing building materials.

OBI Property and Savills are leasing agents on the building.