Buro Four to manage First Street North

BURO Four has been appointed as strategic project manager for the First Street North development in Manchester.

The firm has been appointed by a joint venture board between Ask Developments and Manchester City Council to oversee development at the northern end of the site, featuring a £19m cultural hub containing a new home for the Cornerhouse arts complex and the Library Theatre as well as a hotel, leisure and retail units.

Mace had already been appointed as project manager specifically for the cultural hub element of the scheme, but Buro Four will oversee its linkage with some of the commercial elements being created by Ask including the new £25m Melia hotel.

David Boles, regional director at Buro Four, said: “First Street North is a landmark project for the city of Manchester and we are delighted to be working alongside the City Council and Ask Developments to deliver a new cultural destination.

“On a scheme of this size and complexity, our role is vital to ensure that the two separate construction teams are working in partnership to deliver each aspect of the masterplan as quickly and efficiently as possible.”  

Andrew Parker, construction and operations director at Ask Developments, said: “First Street North is one of the most significant developments in the city region and we are committed to the timely delivery of a world class cultural and commercial facility. Buro Four’s expert team of project managers will be instrumental in achieving this goal and we look forward to the benefit of their experience.”