In recent property news from the North West, a variety of significant developments have emerged. Eric Wright Construction reaches a milestone with its new facility for Bristol Myers Squibb, while Hiscox moves into new office space in Manchester. Meanwhile, MediaCity’s Orange Tower undergoes a major refurbishment to attract new tenants.
Beyond these, Bentley Motors celebrates the structural completion of its new Design Centre. Furthermore, the Great Places Housing Group has plans for a unique LGBTQ+ housing scheme in Manchester. Elsewhere, Millers Quay at Wirral Waters completes its first phase, and Hillview Real Estate secures a lease with Community Health and Eyecare in Warrington.
Eric Wright Construction’s Milestone
Eric Wright Construction has achieved a significant milestone in creating a new drug development facility for Bristol Myers Squibb. The 37,000 sq ft building, located in Moreton, Wirral, is designed to support up to 200 employees.
The construction is focused on sustainability, featuring large glazing panels for natural light and flexible office seating. Its goal is to get a BREEAM ‘outstanding’ accreditation.
Steve Reid, Pre-construction Director at Eric Wright Construction, expressed pride in the project, which aims to offer a low energy, low carbon workspace. The building is scheduled for practical completion in May 2025.
Hiscox Moves to Northspring | Peter Street
Specialist insurer Hiscox has leased the seventh floor at Northspring | Peter Street in Manchester. This move is part of its strategy to grow in the local Manchester market.
Hiscox Regional Manager, Chris Hanson, is delighted with the new office space, emphasising its prime location and excellent transport links.
With Hiscox moving in, Northspring | Peter Street now has three available suites left, showing a high demand for premium office space in the area.
Refurbishment at MediaCity’s Orange Tower
MediaCity’s Orange Tower has undergone a full refurbishment on its seventh floor. Consensus Workspace redesigned the 7,000 sq ft space to accommodate new tenants.
The refit took eight weeks and includes a new boardroom, meeting rooms, kitchen, and breakout spaces, all featuring natural materials and plants to boost productivity.
The redesign maximises views of the marina and quays, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a curved path to encourage movement within the workspace.
Bentley Motors’ New Design Centre
Bentley Motors is celebrating the structural completion of its new Design Centre in Crewe. The centre is set to double the previous design space.
The building, originally constructed in 1939, has been modernised to house around 50 designers focussing on future BEV models and sustainable luxury.
This project is part of Bentley’s £2.5bn investment in future products and facilities, aiming to support a fully electrified future.
Great Places Housing Group’s LGBTQ+ Housing Initiative
Great Places Housing Group has submitted plans for an LGBTQ+ Extra Care housing scheme in Whalley Range, Manchester. The scheme will offer 80 apartments for older people.
The design has been created with input from the LGBT Foundation and aims to provide a safe, inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ residents aged 55 and over.
The project is funded by Great Places, Homes England, and the GMCA Brownfield Housing Fund, fulfilling a need for quality, affordable housing in the area.
Millers Quay at Wirral Waters
Millers Quay has completed the first phase of its waterside apartments at Wirral Waters. The £130m development will include 500 new homes.
The project highlights the potential in brownfield regeneration and aims to deliver 100 affordable homes. The first phase includes properties named Copper Mill and Steam Yard.
This development is part of Peel Waters’ broader effort to create sustainable communities, with modern apartments and extensive green spaces.
Community Health and Eyecare at Phoenix House
Hillview Real Estate has signed a lease with Community Health and Eyecare (CHEC) for office space at Phoenix House in Warrington. The lease runs until 2033.
CHEC has invested £1m in the building, installing modern facilities for patient care.
Phoenix House offers 23,308 sq ft of Grade A office space, with remaining units available for lease, showcasing the high quality and demand for office spaces in the area.
In summary, the North West is experiencing a wave of innovative development projects. From sustainable workspaces to inclusive housing and modernised commercial properties, these initiatives are reshaping communities.
The focus on sustainability and inclusivity is evident across all reported developments. These projects are not just building structures but are also fostering communities and enhancing the region’s landscape.
The collective efforts of various firms and organisations are paving the way for a progressive and thriving future in the North West.