Co-op reveals designs for Manchester HQ

 

The Co-operative Group has unveiled designs for its 320,000 sq ft headquarters in Manchester.

 

 

The UK’s largest mutual insurer, which has been headquartered in Manchester since it formed in 1863, said the 16 storey offices reflected the ethical values of the organisation in its “design, construction and its relationship both with employees and surrounding communities”.

The 3D-Reid-designed plans for the six-acre Northern Gateway site neighbouring its existing base near Miller Street in Manchester city centre will be lodged in July.  

 

An Arup-designed masterplan for regeneration of the entire 20-acre site is being drawn up.

 

Work is scheduled to start on the building at the beginning of next year with occupation scheduled for mid-2012.

 

The occupier, which is advised by Jones Lang LaSalle, will vacate six older buildings.

 

They are New Century House on Corporation Street, Old Bank Building and Hanover Building on Hanover Street, Redfern Building on Redfern Street, Dantzic Building on Dantzic Street and Federation Building on Federation Street.

 

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester council, said: “We are delighted that an organisation as closely associated with Manchester as the Co-operative Group remains so committed to the city.  

 

“This welcome investment will act as a catalyst for further employment and regeneration opportunities in the surrounding area.”

 

The Co-op bought the six-acre site from a Co-operative Insurance fund for an undisclosed sum in order to allow the overall development to go ahead.

 

As tipped by Estates Gazette last August, the occupier chose Northern Gateway ahead of the Fishdock site at Victoria Station, which is being developed by Muse Developments, Morley Fund Management and Network Rail.

 

The Co-op had previously ruled out Ask Developments’ Exchange Greengate and a number of other sites around Greater Manchester in a year-long process.

 

paul.norman@egi.co.uk