Plans to turn a Grade II-listed building in Manchester city centre into a £6 million “innovation hub” have been given the green light.
Manchester City Council has approved “transformational plans” for the historic 117-119 Portland Street building in the heart of the city centre, and the ambitious £6 million project will now see the Grade II-listed building become the so-called “gateway” into Manchester’s innovation district, the Oxford Road Corridor.
Part of Bruntwood SciTech’s collection of refurbished Victorian warehouses, this new workspace is expected to be a “central hub” for collaboration, wellness, and events.
Developers want to make it a “vibrant social community” for all the businesses within the building.
The 35,000 sq ft building will be refurbished into a multi-let workspace that provides a mixture of offices for up to 80 people – with each offering a range of flexible options for companies working in the creative, tech, and media sectors.
Nine fully-fitted workspaces will be created in total, each being equipped with kitchens, meeting rooms, and breakout areas.
The innovation hub will retain many of its original features that pay homage to its rich history.
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Dating all the way back to 1886, the building was formerly home to Schill Seebohm & Co shipping merchants, which used it as a warehouse to showcase, sell, and ship its Manchester-made textiles, and now it’s set to become another inspiring space for businesses to grow and thrive.
Plans have been approved to transform a historic Manchester building into £6m ‘innovation hub’ / Credit: Bruntwood SciTech
State-of-the-art shared facilities and amenities will also be incorporated into the new-look building as part of a “reimagining” of the ground and lower ground floors areas – including breakout spaces and lounge areas, an on-site gym, boutique gym-quality shower and changing facilities, and an auditorium for events.
Developers will also be improving the historic building’s sustainability credentials in a bid to bring it into the “modern age”.
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Richard Roper, who is the Associate Director and Asset Management for Bruntwood SciTech, said the approval of these plans marks the next “exciting phase” in the partnership’s vision to “enhance and improve” workspaces across Manchester city centre.
Developers want to make the Grade II-listed building a “vibrant social community” for all / Credit: Bruntwood SciTech
“Our cluster of buildings on Portland Street are uniquely positioned to become the connecting junction between the Oxford Road Corridor and our city centre innovation hubs, further supporting businesses to access a city-wide innovation ecosystem,” he added.
“This cornerstone of the city has been lacking investment into creating workspaces that galvanise collaboration, creativity, and ingenuity, and offer like-minded communities to connect with.
Work to transform 117-119 Portland Street is anticipated to get underway from spring 2025.
Featured Image – Bruntwood SciTech
Business
Popular online beauty retailer LOOKFANTASTIC to open new ‘concept’ store in Altrincham
Emily Sergeant
One of the UK’s most popular online beauty retailers is set to open a brand-new ‘concept’ store here in Greater Manchester.
That’s right, Altrincham‘s getting itself a shiny new resident, as LOOKFANTASTIC is moving in.
Gearing up to open its doors in the heart of the Trafford town’s centre in just a couple of months time, the exciting new store is set to offer shoppers a “unique opportunity” to explore and discover products from some of the world’s most renowned and best-loved beauty brands – with more than 90 big names on offer.
Sol de Janeiro, Color WOW, and Yves Saint Laurent are just some of the world-leading and designer brands set to be stocked on the shelves of the new concept.
Popular online beauty retailer LOOKFANTASTIC to open new ‘concept’ store in Altrincham /
The new 5,392 sq ft Stamford Quarter space – which will take up two units on George Street – is the first time the company has ever opened a physical store.
It’s expected to be an extension of LOOKFANTASTIC’s “digitally native authority in beauty” and will provide a “customer-centric” and “experiential” retail experience when it officially throws open its doors this September.
“We’re excited to bring the LOOKFANTASTIC experience to life with our concept store,” commented Lucy Gorman, who is the Chief Executive Officer at THG Beauty.
“This innovative retail space goes beyond products, offering a unique and immersive beauty destination… as customers can discover and purchase from their favourite brands, and also enjoy beauty services, bringing digital beauty into the third dimension in a whole new way.”
Further details about the new concept store will be released nearer to the time of opening, LOOKFANTASTIC has confirmed, so keep your eyes peeled.
Featured Image – Supplied
Business
Chester Zoo is hiring a new keeper to look after its penguins and parrots
Emily Sergeant
Chester Zoo is currently hiring someone to look after its penguins and parrots, and you can get your applications in the for role now.
If you’re after a career change in 2024, then it surely can’t get much better than this?
The UK’s biggest charity zoo currently has a vacancy open for a Lead Bird Keeper to join the Penguins & Parrots team on a permanent basis, and according to the description of the job on its website, it’s looking for a “dedicated and hardworking individual” with extensive knowledge and a proven track-record in delivering the highest standards of avian husbandry and exhibitory.
The role will involve supporting the Assistant Team Manager in the daily management of the section, along with leading, training, and working closely with other team members to “ensure the highest standards are met”.
Chester Zoo needs a new keeper to look after its penguins and parrots / Credit: Chester Zoo
The ideal candidate will have “substantial” experience working as an aviculturist in a zoological or conservation–breeding facility, a HND or degree level qualification in a zoological related science, and must be able to deliver an excellent level of care for all birds, while ensuring that all enclosures and facilities are properly maintained.
According to the zoo, the role may also involve representing Chester Zoo and the team for media interviews and internal and external meetings workshops and conferences.
The job description emphasises that excellent communication skills are “essential”.
Some of the additional qualities the zoo indicates will make you stand out from the crowd include having a strong work ethic, the ability to demonstrate good leadership qualities, outstanding observational skills, and excellent attention to detail.
Applications for the role are now open / Credit: Chester Zoo
Ultimately, you’ll need to be an “enthusiastic, dynamic, and motivated team player”.
The role of ‘Lead Keeper – Parrots and Penguins’ is 40 hours per week, with the working week including some weekends and Bank Holidays, and the salary on offer being £28,612.83.
Working at Chester Zoo comes with an “excellent benefits package” and loads of perks too, including a generous pension scheme, 33 days paid holidays per year, a healthcare plan, a staff pass so that you can visit the zoo for free, and complimentary tickets for friends and family.
You’ll even get a load of discounts on gym memberships, cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops, and so much more.
Emily Sergeant -
17th June 2024 
