Panoramic terrace will also feature an event space, spanning film screenings to yoga
DEMAND for rooftop terraces is becoming sky-high (geddit?), maybe due to a much lamented lack of green space in the city. From the Bauhaus building to No1 Spinningfields, terraces can be a great way of simulating the outdoor experience we are sorely missing at ground level.
And when it's mixed with food and drink – well, what's not to like? So we’re happy to hear that Blackfriars House in the Parsonage Gardens Conservation Zone has been granted the planning permission applied for in February for a spectacular new rooftop restaurant and events space. Located just off Deansgate, the landmark building’s roof terrace promises to become a city-centre haven with its garden and outdoor meeting spaces, encouraging customers to work al fresco when the weather is a little more clement.
Located just off Deansgate, the landmark building’s roof terrace promises to become a city-centre haven with its garden and outdoor meeting spaces
As well as a restaurant with 360-degree panoramic views over the city skyline and River Irwell, the rooftop area will host a packed programme of events, with the likes of yoga classes and movie screenings lined up (of course). A garden filled with grasses and flowers, as well as seating, lighting and shelter created specifically for the space have been designed by architects MgMa Studio and fit-out specialists Dragonfly.
As previously reported in Bricks & Mortar Part 7, the building’s transformation plans – part of Bruntwood Works £50m Pioneer refurbishment project – also include an independent coffee shop and relaxed lounge area, a bookable events and auditorium space, and stylish and flexible workspaces and co-working areas of all sizes, perfect for creative and digital businesses.
Ciara Keeling, CEO of Bruntwood Works, said: “Offering outstanding amenities for our customers is just one of the key themes of our Pioneer programme and we’re extremely excited to have our plans for the rooftop at Blackfriars approved. We can now start to bring our vision to life and create an outstanding space where customers and guests can enjoy not just the restaurant, but a creative space to hold meetings, team catch-ups or simply socialise with the wider Bruntwood community.
“We’re committed to continually disrupt the market and create vibrant communities in which our customers can thrive. That’s why having a range of workspaces at Blackfriars is essential. Inspired by the building’s heritage, the overall transformation will create a variety of unique, flexible workspaces, designed to fuel creativity and collaboration, meaning businesses can select the space that’s perfect for them, at the right time, and flex with us as their business changes.”
Work has already started to transform the ground floor space and the restaurant and event space is scheduled to launch in summer 2020. Just in time for a bit of sunshine, hopefully...
