Photographs released this week show a first glimpse of the 170,000 sq ft Grade A office space which is under construction behind the hoardings at No8 First Street.
Due for completion in Q3 2017, the images show how No8’s 26,000 sq ft column-free floor plates are now taking shape. Designed to offer flexible layout options, the six huge floors of office space at No8 will go a considerable way to meet the City’s lack of Grade A office space.
The images also show what the views out from the unique, double-height winter gardens will look like. The extent of Manchester’s significant construction work is clear with cranes across the skyline including the distinctive yellow and red ones which are installing the Ordsall Chord rail link bridge.
The exterior of the scheme, which is being built by Carillion, is now partially glazed and the interior glazing units for the winter gardens are being installed.
The roof of the building shows how No8 will offer stunning views across the First Street estate towards the heart of the City and the proximity of the scheme to the Metrolink station at Deansgate-Castlefield as well as to both Oxford Road and Deansgate railway stations.
No8 is being delivered in a joint venture between PATRIZIA UK and the Greater Manchester Property Venture Fund with Ask Real Estate as Development Manger. The building has been designed by Fletcher Priest Architects and global energy business Gazprom has pre-committed to c.50,000 sq ft of space across the building’s top two floors.
Dan Williams, Head of Development at PATRIZIA UK, said: “It is great to be able to give a first glimpse of life behind the hoardings which highlights the rapid progress which is being made at No8. Without doubt, the huge open floor plates coupled with the unique winter gardens are proving to be a big attraction to companies looking for a great location and space which offers relaxing breakout areas. The winter gardens, which will be lit at night, are a first for any office building in Manchester and new occupiers will get to design their own private amenity space.”
Commenting on the growing interest in No8, Chris Cheap, Regional Senior Director at GVA, who, together with Savills, are advising on the leasing of the building, said: “No8 is a ground-breaking building which has been designed entirely with the occupier’s needs in mind. It offers access to some of Manchester’s best amenity, both here at First Street and in the heart of the City. After a strong year of office take up in 2016 we have seen significant levels of demand so far this year and No8 is ideally placed to meet the various requirements in the market place.’
