Henry Boot plans £140m Manchester office scheme

Henry Boot Developments (HBD) said it is about to submit a major planning application for Colloco, a “highly sustainable” 200,000 sq ft office scheme within the St John’s district of Manchester city centre.

It said the gross development value (GDV) of Colloco is £140 million.

“The development is targeting the highest levels of sustainability credentials including Net Zero Carbon, a BREEAM Excellent Rating and is targeting a 5.5-star accreditation for NABERS UK,” said HBD.

“It will also be compliant with British Council for Offices standards and include a host of amenities aligned with the WELL building standards.”

Located at the edge of Spinningfields and the St John’s district, the 16-storey building will front onto the corner of New Quay Street and Gartside Street.

EPR Architects has designed the building to reflect the industrial heritage of the area.

The site was formerly home to the LTE Group’s Manchester College before it relocated to its new campus last year.

HBD said that during the construction phase, 850 construction jobs would be created per annum and once operational, Colloco has the capacity to create approximately 1,400 employment roles.

“Colloco will comprise high-quality flexible workspace across all levels with spaces designed to foster collaboration and innovation,” said HBD.

“A roof pavilion will feature breakout and events space and access to a landscaped garden terrace with views across the city. A cycle storage facility with E-bike charge points and showers will be available for occupiers.

“The imminent submission of planning for this latest major development comes as HBD is midway through the development of Island, a 100,000 sq. ft. net zero carbon, smart-enabled Grade A office scheme on John Dalton Street in Manchester.”

HBD CEO Adam Brady said: “We’re very proud to be bringing forward Colloco, which will provide a future facing workspace solution in the post-Covid era.

“We wanted to create a building that provides a positive impact to Manchester’s thriving community but one which also meets the needs of a modern and progressive work culture. Colloco is a completely different prospect to the sterile and corporate offices of yesteryear.”

The project team includes Arcadis, EPR Architects, Asteer Planning, Curtins, Hoare Lea and Ramboll.