Plans revealed for nature-inspired city centre office building

A consultation has been launched today (October 28) on proposals for ‘One North Parade’, an environmentally pioneering new office building, located next to one of Manchester city centre’s few green spaces.

The proposed building would provide 83,000 sq ft of Grade A office space adjacent to the centrally located Parsonage Gardens — replacing tired and underused offices No.1 North Parade and No. 5 Parsonage.

Recognising the need to deliver a true exemplar building in this prestigious location, the development has been responsibly designed by architects SimpsonHaugh.

One North Parade aims to be the most carbon-efficient building to come forward since Manchester announced its commitment to net zero carbon by 2038.

The building is targeting ‘BREAAM Outstanding’ accreditation through its use of low carbon materials as well as industry-leading energy and water saving solutions.

Alongside the building’s commitment to green principles is an impressive dedication to the wellbeing of the people working inside.

One of the building’s most eye-catching features is the inclusion of trees on every level, which will help to bring the outdoors in and provide a calm and healthy environment for creative thought and collaboration.

Designed with its future occupiers in mind, the plans also include light-filled spaces, unparalleled cycle facilities and amenities for rest and social interaction.

Breathing life back into the site, the proposals seek to bring vitality to the St Mary’s Parsonage area and act as a catalyst for further investment.

A new active ground floor, including a restaurant overlooking Parsonage Gardens, would help to bring life and vibrancy to this part of the city.

The site’s landowner, Beaconsfield Commercial, would also look to support future landscaping enhancements to the gardens themselves, while respecting their historic nature.

Overall, the scheme will contribute to wider priorities to make the area more accessible, pedestrian-friendly and attractive.

Ian Simpson, founding partner at SimpsonHaugh, said: “SimpsonHaugh is proud to propose a pioneering working environment within Manchester, a workspace that will respond to the important environmental and wellbeing challenges we face today.

“The building’s uses, which include a restaurant, will bring activity and life to the northern edge of Parsonage Gardens. The design embraces and extends the gardens vertically, providing biodiverse, intimate garden spaces at each office level.

“Our use of low embodied carbon materials includes limestone, a traditional material, crafted in a contemporary manner to complement the historical surroundings. We believe the proposal presents an appropriate and sensitive contextual response to this important, but neglected city space.”

Michael Hawkins, director-head of national office agency and development UK regions at Colliers International, said: “The proposals for One North Parade demonstrate the exceptionally high standards Manchester is setting in terms of the quality of new office space.

“This kind of building – with its focus on environmental performance and wellbeing – is exactly what the city needs to continue to attract and retain the best talent.

“With its impressive sustainability credentials, it will keep Manchester at the forefront of the net zero-carbon agenda – proving that aspirational objectives can become a reality.”

He added: “As the way people work continues to change, organisations will be demanding different qualities from their office space.

“Increasingly, the office will need to be a place that fosters creativity, collaboration and reflects that organisation’s culture and values. One North Parade will set the bar for this thoughtful approach to office design.

“What’s more, this is a scheme that will serve to energise the wider St Mary’s Parsonage area and provide a new vitality.”