Bruntwood SciTech Unveils Transformative Plans For Manchester One Expansion

Bruntwood SciTech has submitted planning proposals for a £17 million transformation and expansion of Manchester One, the iconic tower located at the heart of Manchester's innovation quarter.

The transformative project, delivered by Bruntwood SciTech - a joint venture between Bruntwood, L&G and Greater Manchester Pension Fund - combines a full refurbishment of the existing 21-storey tower with a bold four-storey extension, bringing the total building size to 160,000 sq ft and introducing significant new amenities designed to support the health, wellbeing and productivity of the building's business community.

Manchester One currently hosts 30 businesses across its 131,000 sq ft of space. The works will see the building reimagined as a modern, sustainable workspace while retaining and celebrating its 1960s architectural heritage.

A building reimagined

The proposals centre on delivering workspace that adapts to the evolving needs of innovation-led businesses.

The new four-storey extension will introduce a striking new presence on Portland Street and Sackville Street, creating a generous double-height reception and arrival space designed to encourage collaboration. A dedicated food and beverage offering with independent street access and outdoor terrace will refresh the ground floor, while communal social lounges and open staircases connect the extension vertically, creating flexible zones that blend workspace with hospitality.

At fourth floor level, the extension delivers a landscaped rooftop terrace available to all Manchester One customers, providing breakout space and relaxation areas. Over half of the roof will be accessible to customers with the introduction of a wellness zone connecting to a new internal wellness suite.

The existing tower will also undergo comprehensive modernisation. Windows across all 21 floors will be replaced with the facade fully refreshed, alongside rolling refurbishment of office floorplates and building cores, including lifts, stairs and washrooms. New secure cycle storage for 60 bikes will be provided alongside dedicated active travel facilities, including six showers and changing rooms, a heated drying room and locker storage.

Sustainability at the core

The transformation supports Bruntwood SciTech's commitment to net zero, with proposals including the decommissioning of existing gas-fired boilers in favour of efficient heat pump systems, installation of a new electrical substation to support the transition to renewable energy and smart building systems throughout.

The scheme also prioritises biodiversity and green spaces through extensive soft landscaping, rooftop planting and improvements to the public realm surrounding the building, better integrating Manchester One with the city's streetscape and nearby green spaces.

Design inspired by place

The interior design concept draws inspiration from Manchester's urban character, blending the building's 1960s origins with contemporary design. The approach celebrates exposed finishes, handmade elements, locally sourced art and photography, alongside a curated mix of vintage and contemporary furniture and accessories. Manchester One occupies a prime position in the city's innovation quarter, with Oxford Road station less than five minutes' walk away and Manchester Piccadilly within easy reach. The building's central location offers direct connectivity to the rest of Greater Manchester and beyond, making it an ideal base for businesses that draw talent from across the region.

The transformation will be delivered in partnership with Bridge Architects and Cubicworks, with works scheduled to complete in early 2028.

Matthew Morten, Building and Construction Director, at Bruntwood SciTech, said: “Manchester One has been an enduring fixture of the city for decades and is synonymous with Manchester's skyline. These proposals represent our commitment to ensuring it remains both sustainable and inspiring, and the £17 million investment is a clear statement of intent about the building's importance to both our portfolio and to Manchester.

"We're reimagining this building with our customers at the heart of every decision. This transformation is about creating a best-in-class environment that helps businesses attract and retain the talent they need, supports work-life balance through dedicated wellness facilities and flexible workspace, and ultimately enhances productivity. It's a place that continues to support not just work, but wellbeing, collaboration, sustainability and community. 

“Manchester remains integral to our vision, and sustained investment here and across our cities is central to our growth strategy and our determination to provide the infrastructure that enables businesses and cities to thrive.”