MOSLEY Street Ventures Limited, principally owned by bookmakers Fred and Peter Done and family, has announced that work will begin in Spring 2014 on its landmark office building on Mosley Street, Manchester. This has been designed by Ian Simpson Architects to have a 'civic character' and 'to be in character' with other nearby landmarks.
We wanted to ensure that our building is developed in line with the Square’s timetable
The development, to be named Two St Peter's Square and will include a 3 month demolition period and 22 month build, with completion expected in summer 2016.
Two St Peter's Square Fred Done, principal owner of Mosley Street Ventures Limited, said: “St Peter’s Square is undergoing considerable redevelopment and we wanted to ensure that our building is developed in line with the Square’s timetable, which is why we have taken the decision to commence work on a speculative basis. Our team is currently in talks with a number of potential tenants. We are extremely proud to be connected to this project and to be producing a quality building that will be located right in the heart of Manchester City Centre."
The office accommodation will comprise 157,000 sq ft within the 11 storey building, with 5,142 sq ft of ground floor leisure space and basement parking for 43 vehicles. The investment value of the completed building will be in excess of £80 million.
A film of the building’s construction and design can be viewed at www.twostpeterssquare.com
The Done family own two other properties in Manchester, the 140,000 sq ft Peninsula office building in Manchester’s Green Quarter and Steam Packet House on Cross Street.
Bye Bye Century House
Bye Bye Mr Fox
The decision to demolish Century House has provoked dismay among campaigners who see the 1930s building as an important structure adding considerably to the streetscape of this part of the city centre.
The strength of feeling shown about the building can be witnessed here and here.
Check the latter link for a description of Century House and its several charming details including a relief sculpture of George Fox, founder of the Quakers.
The new graphic reveals an interesting point.
We get an idea of how St Peter's Square will look post redevelopment with the double lines of platforms and tracks of the Metrolink system covering the present Mosley Street portion of the Square. Simpson's echoing of the decorative work on the Town Hall Extension can be measured here. It's a lovely touch.
Nice detailing - but not for long
