Work begins 16 storey car park hotel Manchester’s new neighbourhood

Work has begun on the 1,900 tonne steelwork of a new multi-storey car park and hotel at Circle Square in Manchester city centre.

Russells Construction has been appointed by developer Bruntwood as main contractor for the delivery of the project, following successful completion of the foundation and enabling works. The hybrid building forms a key part of the Circle Square masterplan, with work on this phase set to complete in September 2019.

The first ten floors of the 16 storey building, located on Princess Street, will encompass a 1,014 space car park, with a 158 bed hotel located on top of the car park.

The first aerial images have been released by Russells, showing the size of the site, with the concrete cores and steelwork structure showing the scale of the development underway.

Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios served as concept architect for the car park and hotel, with the design reflecting the city’s industrial past. Inspired by the nearby 19th century warehouses, the building will be constructed from a pre-cast concrete panel system, utilising inset bricks which draw on Manchester’s rich links to the grand infrastructure of the Victorian era.

In addition, Leach Rhodes Walker has been appointed as the delivery architect responsible for the technical design development of the project.

Chris Roberts, chief development officer, Bruntwood, said: “This announcement represents a key milestone in the creation of the most exciting new neighbourhood in the North West. When complete, Circle Square will be home to a wide selection of innovative workspaces, shops, homes and bars and it will attract visitors from far and wide. The car park and hotel will play a key role in supporting the high level of interest that we anticipate, and in Russells Construction we’ve appointed a contractor that will deliver a building that befits the exceptional standards we demand for Circle Square.”

Gareth Russell, director, Russells Construction, said: “This will be another impressive building on the Manchester skyline, a genuine architectural landmark. We're very pleased to have been selected to undertake the project and proud to be involved with a masterplan that will transform this part of the city centre. We have worked closely with Bruntwood and the design team throughout the pre-commencement phase to devise a programme, using the latest construction techniques, to realise their vision.”

Located on the former BBC site on Oxford Road, Circle Square is a joint venture between Bruntwood SciTech and Select Property Group that will see the creation of a pioneering new urban destination that will boast over 1700 new homes, 1.2 million sq. ft. of workspace and over 100,000 sq. ft. of retail and leisure space. Circle Square will also feature the first and largest new city park for generations, providing much needed green space in the city.

Circle Square is already home to Manchester Technology Centre, which is occupied by over 22 data science and technology innovation businesses, and award-winning pop-up retail and leisure destination Hatch.