Milestone for £66m Island scheme as city centre development begins
Work has begun on a £66m speculative development which will create 100,000 sq ft of office space in Manchester city centre.
Island, on John Dalton Street, is being developed by HBD in a joint venture with Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
Ed Hutchinson, managing director at HBD, said: “Our decision to speculatively develop Island is a real statement of intent, and demonstrates our confidence not only in Manchester but in the future of workspace more broadly.”
The 10-storey scheme received planning permission last September. The development will replace three existing buildings – Old Colony House, 5 Ridgefield, and Grange House.
Bowmer + Kirkland has been appointed the main contractor to build the scheme, with construction of the Cartwright Pickard designed scheme scheduled to commence this month with practical completion due in summer 2024.
Hutchinson added: “While working patterns have evolved, demand for high-quality, well-located office space remains robust. Targeting the highest sustainability standards, the project’s innovative design, combined with its people-focused and ‘smart’ office space, align perfectly with the enhanced standards the modern occupier demands.”
The 10-storey building will become net zero carbon, smart-enabled office accommodation. The building is targeting the highest sustainability certifications, including an EPC ‘A’ rating, BREEAM Excellent and a 5.5 star carbon NABERS rating.
Greater Manchester Pension Fund chair Cllr Brenda Warrington described the start on site as “a major landmark” for the development and the wider city centre office market.
She said: “As the next generation of office accommodation reflecting new ways of flexible working, our ambition is to achieve zero carbon and provide the highest levels of accessibility required by future occupiers.
“Funding from GMPF to projects such as this, meets our twin aims of achieving a good return for our members’ pensions, whilst also delivering a positive economic and social regeneration impact on the city.”
