Green light for multi-million pound Express Building transformation
Plans for a multi-million pound refurbishment of the grade II-listed Express Building in Manchester have been approved.
Manchester City Council has given the go-ahead for a major revamp of the 78,900sq ft building on Great Ancoats Street.
Originally designed by Sir Owen Williams and built specifically for the Express newspaper in 1939, the scheme is being led by OBI Property and designed by Ben Adams Architects.
The reception will be completely redesigned and a cut-out will be introduced at ground floor with a new feature staircase linking the lower ground and ground floors.
The internal floors will be stripped out and the original architecture celebrated throughout the building. A new mezzanine floor will be installed on the sixth floor.
James Bostock, building consultancy, OBI Property, said: “Express Building is a Manchester landmark and receiving planning and Listed Building consent is an important step on our journey to bring the building back to life.
“Our intention is to raise the bar in Manchester; combining efficient, super connected workspace, with unrivalled occupier amenities in one of the most dynamic areas of the city centre.”
Richard Lace, transactions and asset management, OBI Property said: “When completed Express Building will provide forward thinking, contemporary workspace that respects the character of this iconic property.
Extending to almost 80,000 sq ft, the building has the ability to accommodate a variety of size requirements and will be aimed at occupiers from a wide range of sectors, including those who are part of the thriving digital and tech scene.”
Work is expected to begin on site imminently with completion towards the end of the year.
The project team includes:
• Project Management, Cost Consultant, Contract Administrator, Principal Designer – OBI Property.
• Leasing Agent – OBI Property.
• Architect – Ben Adams Architects.
• Structural Engineer – Tier Consult.
• M&E Consultant – Zerum.
• Planning Consultant – Zerum.
• Heritage Consultant – Stephen Levrant Heritage Architecture.
OBI Property is an established real estate consultancy which provides innovative solutions to its landlord and occupier clients which include AO.com, NCC Group, Rentalcars.com, Allied London, Bruntwood, LJ Partnership, British Airways and CBRE Global Investors.
