Bruntwood Works has opened a consultation for a new tower in Manchester.
The developer wants to replace the current Alberton House on St Mary’s Parsonage with an 18-storey building that it hopes will become the flagship property in its “pioneer” programme.
Bruntwood’s pioneer buildings are focused on the core principles of wellbeing, biophilia, technology, sustainability, amenity and art. Other assets in the programme include Blackfriars House, 111 Piccadilly and Bloc.
The redeveloped Alberton, designed by EPR Architects, will offer a wide range of workspaces for individuals, start-ups and larger firms alongside community spaces.
Bruntwood said the building would be designed to operate at net zero carbon and that it was targeting BREEAM New Construction 2018 Excellent Rating and a NABERS UK Design for Performance Agreement 5.5 star.
The development will feature glazing detailing to reduce solar gain, ambient loop heating and cooling to allow for greater efficiency and zonal control. The building will also encourage active commuting, with a newly created basement space offering extensive cycle storage with charging lockers, shower rooms and vanity areas.
Bruntwood Works chief executive Ciara Keeling said: “Our pioneer programme has always been about realising our vision for the future of the workspace, and we’re proud to have created some of the best workspaces in the country through it. With the Alberton, we are aiming to bring a truly world-class asset to Manchester as the city continues to compete on a global stage for inward investment.”
She added: “The office is no longer a place you have to go to, nor just a place where you go to work. Workspaces need to become experiential places that encapsulate what we love about our thriving city centres, but can also help to provide productivity, balance and wellness to our lives.”
The new development features within Manchester City Council’s St Mary’s Parsonage Strategic Regeneration Framework, which will include the redevelopment of the Grade II listed Kendal Milne building, and is already home to Bruntwood Works’ Blackfriars House and King’s House.
Public consultation is open until 23 January 2022. The plans can be viewed at www.thealberton.co.uk
Deloitte is advising on planning.
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