Technology

Posted on March 15, 2018 by staff

Allied London to expand Manchester’s Enterprise City

Technology

Allied London has announced the expansion of Enterprise City in Manchester.

CEO Michael Ingall will reveal plans for new project ABC at real estate conference MIPIM in Cannes this afternoon.

The former Astley & Byrom house, which has been empty for nearly ten years, will be re-adapted, refurbished and re-named ABC and be aimed at film, TV, media and tech companies seeking a presence in Manchester city centre.

Allied London will work with architects Levitt Bernstein to enhance the original 1960s architectural features, with the completed project being fully incorporated into the St. John’s development off Quay Street, as an early phase of Enterprise City.

An ‘Enterprise City Campus’ concept building designed by architects Child Graddon Lewis will also be built.

“Diversity is at the heart of our Enterprise City brand and it’s driving a tech, media and creative agenda at St Johns that includes a wide range of commercial uses, especially those around TV and filmmaking,” said Allied London chief executive Michael Ingall.

“The ABC buildings, once restored to their 60s ethos and enhanced with an advanced tech infrastructure, will make powerful additions to our Enterprise City vision.”

Allied London has already started construction and will launch the ABC buildings complex in late summer, with key anchor tenants taking workspace at that time.

Ingall added: “It’s MIPIM week and, as you would expect, Allied London with the help of CGL has revealed a new idea – a concept building referred to as Enterprise City campus, a 500k sq ft integrated series of buildings that could be a new tech and media campus for Manchester.

“At this stage it’s only a concept but could lead to a significant extension of Enterprise City – it’s the difference between ten and 15 thousand workers.

“The building, if developed, would be an extension of Enterprise City and be adjacent to the new Factory Arts centre, and replace a part of the Trinity Islands development, deliberately designed for modern industry and have a real purpose focused on inward investment for enterprising businesses.”

CGL director Paul Graddon said: “Imagine waking up in the morning and looking out over stunning views of Manchester from your Trinity Islands apartment, going down to the gym, picking up your coffee to then walk along the river bank, into one of the most exciting and well-connected workspaces in the City.

“The addition of Enterprise City Campus, to what is already one of the most forward-thinking regeneration schemes in the UK, creates another brilliant opportunity for Manchester and its residents.

“CGL is thrilled to be a part of it and this is made even more significant due to its location just next door to Trinity Islands.”