INVESTOR 53N has appointed Russells Construction to refurbish a Grade 2-listed office building on Manchester's King Street.
We believe 76 King Street is an exceptional property and are delighted to be working with Russells Construction to help unlock its potential.
The building at 76-80 King Street contains 31,000 sq ft of office accommodation, which will be available from April.
The Manchester office of 5Plus Architects is responsible for the internal redesign. 53N acquired the building in June 2011.
Russells will remove existing partitions, fixtures and services and install new lifts, mechanical and electrical systems and modern fit-out. The basement car park will have a new staff changing area for employees who choose to cycle or walk to work.
Andrew Russell, managing director of Russells Construction, said: "Historic building refurbishments are a unique challenge, requiring a careful balance between preserving the heritage of the original building and completion of works to bring them up to modern standards. The renovation of 76 King Street is being carried out to a particularly high specification and involves the creation of a contemporary but flexible interior space and the installation of state-of-the-art amenities and services."
The building was originally designed by Alfred Waterhouse, and is now home to DKNY and Belstaff on the ground floor, with four floors of office space above, including a rooftop patio area.
Andrew Waugh, director of 53N, said: "We believe 76 King Street is an exceptional property and are delighted to be working with Russells Construction to help unlock its potential. It is hugely important to ensure these stunning historic buildings are brought up to standard so that they remain occupied and continue to play a useful part in the life of the city."
The joint letting agents are David Laws and Rob Peill of Matthews & Goodman, and Josh Levy and Anthony Howcroft of WHR Property Consultants.
Prudential Building Facts
The building was finished in 1896 and was part of string of Prudential Assurance buildings designed by Alfred Waterhouse. These commissions were won towards the end of his life when Waterhouse preferred terracotta for a facing material. He found it could provide great variety for a relatively low cost. He also appreciated the fact that the density of terracotta with a faience glaze kept buildings looking fresh for longer in smoky industrial cities. Stone allowed soot to take hold much easier, on glazed tile it was washed away by the rain.
The Prudential buildings did Waterhouse no favours. The harsh red shade wasn't universally admired. Indeed the master architect of Manchester Town Hall, Manchester University and the Natural History Museum in London ended his days with the nickname of 'Slaughterhouse Waterhouse' through his Prudential commissions. (JS)
