£1.96m refurbishment of historical city centre site commences

Lymm-based C4 Projects has started the speculative refurbishment of a historical building in the heart of Manchester city centre, with a project value of £1.96m.

Occupying a prominent position on Cross Street, Phoenix House, is to be revived to provide 11,400 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation following a 26-week comprehensive programme.

Originally built in 1928 for the original owner/occupier Yorkshire Insurance Company, the building sits within the Upper King Street conservation area adjacent to Albert Square and is within three minutes’ walking distance of the new Cross City Metrolink line at St Peter’s Square.

Having been selected through a competitive process, C4 Projects will provide architectural, design, cost consultancy and project management services.

JLL has been appointed as sole marketing agents for the office space.

As part of its remit, C4 will restore the eight-storey building’s original historic features including the existing marble floors and walls and reinstate the original open floor plan design, while restoring the historic ceiling details.

James Pass, director at C4, said: “This is a rare city centre opportunity, to restore a building steeped in history.

“We look forward to reviving the original charm of Phoenix House whilst incorporating our client’s own vision to create contemporary office accommodation.”

James Devaney, director at JLL, added: “City centre office vacancy is the lowest it has been for a number of years, however, occupier demand for good quality office space remains strong.

“Phoenix House will fill this gap and offer occupiers best in class contemporary office space, within an iconic period building, in an extremely well-connected location.

“It will most definitely be an attractive proposition for forward-thinking occupiers and we look forward to bringing Phoenix House to the market in the Summer.”

The landlord is a private client.