Archive: Jan 2018

  1. Applications submitted to transform 79 Mosley Street, Manchester

    Planning and Listed building consent applications have been made for the transformation of the Grade II Listed 77-79 Mosley Street and 14-16 Princess Street, to be known as 79 Mosley Street, into 26,890 sq ft of new office space and ground floor and basement retail and leisure space.

    Boultbee Brooks Real Estate (BBRE), the UK based real estate investor/developer, bought the building in 2015 and has spent two years working with architects PRP, OBI Property and Zerum and liaising with Manchester City Council and Historic England to determine a viable proposal for the building’s future.

    The plans submitted to Manchester City Council propose to retain and fully restore the facades onto Mosley Street, Princess Street and Back George Street but completely rebuild the internal floors from the basement up to a new zinc clad mansard roof extension.

    The completed 79 Mosley Street will comprise 19,021 sq ft of new office space over four floors; a 5049 sq ft retail and leisure opportunity on the ground floor and part basement; a 2820 sq ft retail/leisure unit in the basement with bike storage including showers and lockers.  The building will accommodate approx. 220 people in offices and potentially create up 81 jobs in the retail/leisure units.

    Roger James, development director at BBRE said: “Our proposals to transform 79 Mosley Street will provide flexible floor space required for modern occupiers while retaining the external aesthetics of the original building. We aim to bring this long vacant and inactive, yet significant building back to life and to complete the jigsaw of the transformation of St Peter’s Square.”

    Alistair Weir of architects PRP said:  “The decision to completely rebuild the internal floors was not taken lightly but due to years of alterations and the limitations of the original floor plates, it is the only feasible option. We are thrilled to be restoring the original facades – 79 Mosley Street marks the transition between the large modern commercial developments and civic buildings of St Peters Square, with the smaller scale, ornate Victorian warehouse buildings of Princess Street.”

    79 Mosley Street was built circa 1870 as a speculative office, warehouse and retail building. It has been vacant for nine years and previous owners have failed to bring any schemes to fruition.  OBI Property is providing project management and cost consultancy to BBRE.

    Martin Gizzie, building consultancy, OBI Property said: “We have been working with BBRE and the team for over two years, in close consultation with the city council and Historic England to find a workable future for 79 Mosley Street.  The proposals submitted, we believe, provide an exciting solution which will see the building facades preserved for the long-term while new, flexible office, retail and leisure space will attract occupiers looking to take advantage of the prestigious and busy location of St Peter’s Square.”

    Diane Ellis, Associate Planner, Zerum said: “No one takes the decision for such significant alteration of a listed building lightly, but BBRE and the team have exhausted all alternative options including different configurations and uses. We genuinely believe the building is in the best hands with BBRE, who are extremely dedicated to delivering what is best in the long term interests of the building.”

    This news was published by The BusinessDesk, Place North West and Insider Media.

  2. DAY Architectural move to Lancaster Buildings, Manchester

    OBI Property has announced architect firm DAY Architectural has taken 2,537 sq ft on the second floor at Lancaster Buildings, 77 Deansgate, Manchester on a five year lease.

    Gary Lynas, Board Director, DAY Architectural said: “Lancaster Buildings provides us with a very contemporary work space right in the prime location on Deansgate right in the heart of the city centre.  We are looking forward to growing our practice here.”

    The deal with DAY Architectural follows the recent completion of the refurbishment of the first floor. OBI Property carried out the design and project management of the refurbishment on behalf of building owners BCL Legal. The first floor suite now provides 3,936 sq ft of work space. The specification includes air-conditioning, pendant lighting and exposed brickwork.

    James Batt, managing director, BCL Legal said:  “It is a pleasure to welcome DAY Architectural to the building. We’ve been working with the whole team at OBI Property on Lancaster Buildings for a number of years now. OBI has tailored the building design according to our vision and I am very impressed with the high quality of the work they have delivered for us.”

    Debbie Meredith, Transactions and Asset Management, OBI Property said: “The part second floor suite is ideal for DAY Architectural and it is fantastic to welcome another occupier into the building. We have retained as many original features as possible within the newly refurbished first floor suite to compliment the character of the building. With the building being in a prime location on Deansgate and continuing to attract a diverse range of occupiers I am sure it won’t be long before the whole building is fully occupied”.

    This news was published by Insider Media and Place North West.

  3. Manchester business leaders score £40k for Factory Youth Zone

    Manchester’s business community raised £40,000 for the Factory Youth Zone at the second Reds V Blues charity football match as Phil Neville’s Reds beat Dennis Tueart’s Blues 3-2 in a special game held at Altrincham Football Club on Friday 17 November.

    Richard Marsh, chief executive, Factory Youth Zone said: “A huge thank-you to the players, managers, hosts, sponsors and supporters, raising £40k is an amazing achievement and it will undoubtedly make a difference to the young people we work with.

    “We aim to encourage these young people to have dreams and aspirations, and to challenge themselves, and us, to achieve their goals. The support of Manchester’s business community, of which I am consistently overwhelmed by, continues to be vital.”

    The game was organised by Will Lewis, OBI Property and Chris Davis, chief executive, MoneyPlus Group. Will Lewis said:  “Factory Youth Zone is a fantastic organisation and I am proud we are able to support them.  I’d like to thank DWF, Carfinance 247, MoneyPlus Group and Russells Construction for their support this year and all the volunteer players.

    The match, which is now an annual fixture, brought together some of the Manchester’s best known names in business including:

    • Reg and Louis Rix, founders, CarFinance 24/7
    • Steve Oliver, co-founder and group CEO, Music Magpie
    • Rob Cotton and son Jack
    • Nathan Cornish, group board director, Urban Splash
    • Andrew Cowell, OBI Property
    • Matthew Morten, Bruntwood

    Goal scorers for Manchester United were: fireman Tony Carroll; Kabir Breathen and Ricardo Fuller (yes, the, Ricardo Fuller) and for Manchester City: Chris Lloyd from William Hare Group and Matthew Morten.

    Manchester City legend Dennis Tueart, as last year, was assisted by Gary Tipper, managing partner, Palatine Private Equity with Chris Davis returning to support new manager Phil Neville for the Reds.

    The Factory Youth Zone, is a charity which provides support for disadvantaged young people from Manchester.  Working with children and young people aged 8-19 (up to 25 with additional needs), The Factory Youth Zone offers a wide range of activities including sports, arts, youth work sessions and specialist workshops with the aim of improving the lives of local young people in one of the most deprived areas of the UK.

    With over 1,000 young people attending each week, its iconic building provides a base for exciting and stimulating learning which introduces new experiences, develops self-confidence, builds healthy relationships, raises aspirations and prepares young people for work and independence.

    This news was published by BusinessCloud Media.