Construction to start on Manchester net-zero carbon office development

Joint venture partners Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF) and developer HBD have announced they are to speculatively develop a 9,300m² net-zero carbon, smart-enabled office accommodation known as the Island in Manchester city centre.

The announcement coincides with the appointment of Bowmer + Kirkland as main contractor to deliver the scheme, which is designed by architect Cartwright Pickard.

Adam Brady, Executive Director at HBD, commented: “This is a real statement of intent; the decision to speculatively develop Island reflects our confidence not only in Manchester but for the future of workspace.

“The time is right to bring forward a development where people can come together in a healthy, progressive, and sustainable way.

Councillor Brenda Warrington, Chair of GMPF said: “The start of work on site at Island is a major landmark for the development and the Manchester City Centre office market. As the next generation of office accommodation reflecting new ways of flexible working, our ambition is to achieve zero carbon and provide the highest levels of accessibility required by future occupiers. Funding from GMPF to projects such as this, meets our twin aims of achieving a good return for our member’s pensions, whilst also delivering a positive economic and social regeneration impact on the city.”

Construction is scheduled to commence this month with practical completion due in summer 2024.