Work due to start on derelict Northern Quarter building
An unoccupied building in Manchester’s Northern Quarter is to undergo a major transformation.
The refurbished building in Oldham Street will offer unique workspace over four storeys.
The design for the multi-purpose space will bring a sense of light, colour and energy to the office block.
The building’s facade will have a piece of art across it allowing it to be visible across multiple planes on the interior and exterior.
Work has started on the project with tenants expected to move in by the start of 2020.
Theo Michell, Principal at Bywater Properties, said: “Northstar is about preserving and improving a building that is at the heart of Manchester’s creative community.
“We want to stay true to the building’s modernist roots whilst injecting it with fresh energy and a sense of purpose that will really benefit the Northern Quarter.
“A particularly pleasing aspect of the design process has been working with a team of local specialists and creatives in Manchester that truly understands their city.
“We had confidence to encourage and support their creativity to enable us jointly to develop a building that is very much of the Northern Quarter and we’re confident it will suit the demands of this vibrant creative community.”
Bywater Properties has brought in design team Sheila Bird Studio, a local interior design agency, to provide consultation on the project.
“It was imperative that we worked with a team that truly understands Manchester’s most creative neighbourhood in delivering an inspirational concept for Northstar.” Theo added.
Jon Humphreys, Creative Director at Sheila Bird Studio, said: “Northstar is a building of hidden charms and unusual quirks, not unlike the Northern Quarter itself.
“Not many buildings of this size and vintage have a four story atrium flooded with natural light. It’s been a joy to create a design that will breathe new life into the building, proudly celebrate its unique features and create a new, energetic place in the neighbourhood.”
