Manchester-based commercial property giant Bruntwood said it has submitted plans for a “revolutionary” workspace and leisure destination called “The Alberton” in Manchester City Centre.
The plans seek to replace the existing Alberton House on St. Mary’s Parsonage with an 18-storey office building, housing the UK’s highest workspace rooftop pool and “capable of competing on the world stage.”
Bruntwood Works, the workspace, retail and leisure brand within the Bruntwood Group, will develop and deliver the building, which will become the flagship in its “Pioneer” programme.
“The Alberton’s focal point is its rooftop holistic wellness centre and the key element in its ‘workplace revolutionised’ ethos, embedding physical and mental wellbeing into daily working lives,” said Bruntwood.
“As well as the performance lap pool, it will also feature a hydrotherapy vitality pool, hot and cold treatment rooms, fitness studio, yoga terrace, physio room, and changing and shower facilities.
“On the 17th floor, plans reveal a landscaped panoramic roof terrace with commanding views across the city, a gym and an additional food and beverage outlet serving nutritious options.”
Designed by EPR Architects and occupying the site of the first Manchester Gas Works, The Alberton is set to complete in early 2025, with works on site due to begin later this year.
The development sits within Manchester City Council’s St. Mary’s Parsonage Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF), which includes the redevelopment of the grade-II listed Kendal Milne building, and is already home to Bruntwood’s Blackfriars House and King’s House, which is currently undergoing redevelopment.
Bruntwood Works CEO Ciara Keeling
Bruntwood Works CEO Ciara Keeling said: “The Alberton is going to revolutionise workspace, not just in Manchester but across the UK.
“It is a development that supports integrating wellbeing into customers’ daily lives to encourage a positive work/life balance.
“This is evident in our plans to create a holistic wellbeing centre that will act as the focal point of the entire development, including a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city.
“We understand that the way we work and live has changed for the long-term, so we wanted to give our customers a space that suits their changing needs and helps to promote a working environment where they can thrive professionally, but also personally.
“Our Pioneer programme has always recognised the need to incorporate best-in-class wellness and amenity credentials within the workspace, and The Alberton will offer the pinnacle of this.
“We are proud to be able to deliver a world-class workplace and leisure destination to Manchester as it continues to compete on a global stage for inward investment.”
Alongside Bruntwood Works as the developer, The Alberton project team comprises EPR as architect and interior designer, Planit IE as the landscape designer, Curtins as structural and civil engineer, Hilson Moran providing a range of MEP and sustainability design services, RLB as cost consultants and employers agent, Stephen Levrant as heritage consultant, and Deloitte LLP as planning consultants.