Work is starting on a £20m overhaul of the office block at Piccadilly Gardens, which includes shutting off the cut-through to Portland Street. Councillors in Manchester granted planning permission for the works in May.
Walkway closure to combat anti-social behaviour
The walkway at the One Piccadilly Gardens building is used by thousands of people every day, but according to planning reports, it has become a magnet for trouble. A report stated that anti-social behaviour issues have ‘primarily affected the ground floor entrance and walkway, causing the closure of the walkway for security reasons and the closure of the building entrance on numerous occasions, both during protests and as subsequent repairs have been required.’
The report added: ‘The sheltered environment of the walkthrough provides opportunity for other forms of anti-social behaviour which are a continuing nuisance to occupiers; The existing building design does not support or allow adequate control of this area.’
Prime location and current tenants
Overlooking Piccadilly Gardens, the office building sits at one of Manchester city centre’s busiest locations, with close access to Piccadilly railway station, Metrolink trams, and other transport links. It also features a range of food and beverage operators at ground floor level, including Ask Italian, Shoryu, PizzaExpress and Blank Street.
Investment following tenant departure
Legal and General has owned the 160,000 sq ft building since 2014, and is making the investment following BNY Mellon’s departure as tenants. The project will deliver 100,000 sq ft of Grade A office space, alongside a new ‘arrival experience’ by enclosing the existing pedestrian walkway beneath the building, alongside upgrades to amenities, and an ‘extensive’ rooftop terrace and pavilion.
Construction timeline and sustainability
Construction work is due to start in July and last for 12 months, as well as making the building fully electric. In June, Manchester council shared an update on the major changes coming to Piccadilly Gardens, which includes ripping out the ‘unsightly’ low concrete walls and adding more plants and greenery, and replacing the fountains with a welcome pavilion.
Rob Codling, head of commercial funds at L&G, said: “One Piccadilly is a landmark building in a key gateway location, and its transformation will complement the wider regeneration of Piccadilly Gardens which is so important to the city centre’s future. Now that planning approval is secured, we are focused on moving into delivery and working with the project team to create a workplace that brings lasting value for occupiers and the wider area.”
