Bruntwood SciTech has submitted plans for the development of the 14 storey, 224,000 sq ft No.3 Circle Square providing another major boost to Manchester’s Oxford Road Corridor innovation district.
Plans for the development of No.3 Circle Square have been accelerated as a response to soaring levels of demand for workspace from science and tech businesses looking to invest in Manchester – one of Europe’s top 20 digital cities and renowned TMT hotspot.
No.1 and No.2 Circle Square, due for completion in summer 2020, have received exceptional levels of interest from high growth businesses, looking to capitalise on the location’s access to skills, talent and vibrant tech community, including global technology company Hewlett Packard Enterprise, who announced it is set to relocate 300 employees to Circle Square.
Designed by leading architectural practice Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, No.3 Circle Square will offer 12 floors of office space, with floorplates of approximately 16,400 sq ft. The open-plan ground floor space combines a reception area with retail and leisure amenities, as well as a cycle hub and showers. There will also be a new roof terrace and lounge, providing companies at Circle Square with a private garden space from which to work that complements the new state-of-the-art conference and events facilities provided at No.1 Circle Square.
The glazed terracotta façade will pay homage to and complement the Victorian and Edwardian architecture prevalent in the neighbouring area.
Tom Renn, Managing Director, Bruntwood SciTech – Manchester said: “The city’s economy has remained robust and strong over the last 18 months, we are particularly pleased at the strength of the digital technology sector and the momentum created by flagship investments like GCHQ, Amazon and of course our own letting to HPE at Circle Square. Our belief is that Circle Square will be a magnet for the whole sector, but especially for those working in Cyber Security, fintech and AI.
“There is already a vibrant cluster of over 200 businesses working in the field of digital technology and life sciences on the Oxford Road Corridor and a real sense of community. The energy on Oxford Road impresses everybody and interest in Circle square and our commitment to build No.3 Circle Square further reflects the enthusiasm for what is happening here.”
Subject to approval from Manchester City Council, it is expected that construction work on No.3 Circle Square will begin in March 2020.
