Manchester buildings are ‘best workplaces’

TWO buildings in central Manchester have been named as the best workplaces in the North at the British Council for Offices (BCO) North of England, North Wales and Northern Ireland property sector awards.

Number 1 Hardman Square and One St Peter’s Square were awarded the accolade in the awards which recognise top quality office design and functionality and set the standard for excellence in the regional and national office sector.

The Hardman Street building, in the heart of Manchester’s Spinningfields business hub, occupied by MediaCom, picked up the award for Best Project Up to 2000msq, while One St Peter’s Square was awarded the title of Best Commercial Workplace.

Number 1 Hardman Street was commended by the judges for overcoming significant challenges, including the already densely packed surrounding office area and the limited opportunity for height due to its proximity to the listed three story County Court building.

One St Peter’s Square, occupied by KPMG, was praised for fitting into central Manchester’s urban context and blending well with the older buildings in St Peter’s Square, including the grand Central Library building.

Judging chairman, Andrew Woodhouse of Mott MacDonald, said: “We have seen a range of outstanding projects this year, across all categories. These two Manchester projects demonstrate how buildings with forward-thinking approaches to sustainability and flexibility can sit seamlessly in a historic city environment.”