Go-ahead for Manchester’s largest sustainable office scheme

Plans to develop the largest, highly sustainable commercial building in Greater Manchester, set within the heart of MediaCity, have been given the green light.

The plans pave the way for the first major development for the waterside creative, tech and digital hub since Landsec’s 75% acquisition from Peel L&P in November 2021.

The iconic, 11-storey development will be located opposite ITV and The University of Salford media campus.

Landsec said it will be best-in-class, setting out to achieve a net zero carbon development status using the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) Framework, while also achieving a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating.

Designed by Sheppard Robson, the building will feature a striking glass and aluminium façade and will deliver 24,400m² of flexible office space. It will also feature green balconies on every other level as well as an outdoor terrace overlooking a new, landscaped public realm, which will maximise biodiversity with pathways and seating areas set within gardens.

Stephen Wild, Managing Director of MediaCity said: “This is a milestone moment in our shared ambition with Landsec to double the size of MediaCity and deliver new buildings where businesses and their people will thrive among the dynamic community of creatives, techies and innovators who are based here.

“We’re creating an environment where we want people to be inspired by their surroundings both within the office and while taking time out in the green spaces we’re curating as well as along our unique waterfront setting.”

Landsec said the scheme could start in Summer 2023 and take approximately two years to complete.