Bruntwood Works has announced proposals for a workspace in Manchester city centre that it says it’s “capable of competing with the best commercial buildings in the world”.
This will be done through the redevelopment of Alberton House into ‘The Alberton’.
The proposals for the new workspace include replacing the current Alberton House on St. Mary’s Parsonage to create a “striking” 18-storey building that will become the flagship property in Bruntwood Works’ Pioneer programme.
The plans include the creation of a unique rooftop pavilion on the 17th and 18th floors that will house a “state-of-the-art” health and wellness centre, which will benefit from 360-degree views across the city that can also be enjoyed from the adjoining landscaped roof terrace.
Once complete, Bruntwood Works say The Alberton will offer one of the most “comprehensive wellness experiences in a workplace” that’s ever been seen in the UK.
Designed by EPR Architects to represent Manchester’s industrial past in a contemporary aesthetic, Bruntwood Works also said The Alberton will create “a new standard of workspace” in the city that will compare to the best on the world stage through.
A big part of the building being able to compete is thanks to its sustainability credentials.
You thought it couldn’t get any bigger- meet The Alberton!☄️🏢 This one will be revolutionary enough to compete on a world stage, thanks to it’s wellness & sustainability credentials. Think net-zero carbon workspace & rooftop wellness centre.
After Bruntwood became the first property company in the UK to sign up to the ‘World Green Building Council Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment’ back in 2018, the group has since outlined its ambitions for all areas under its control to operate at NZC by 2030, and all buildings to have net zero embodied carbon by 2050.
This means that sustainability is a key factor of this groundbreaking Pioneer redevelopment.
The Alberton will operate at net zero carbon and is targeting BREEAM New Construction 2018 Excellent Rating and NABERS UK Design for Performance Agreement 5.5 star.
The development will feature glazing detailing to reduce solar gain, ambient loop heating and cooling to allow for greater efficiency and zonal control, and the building will also encourage active commuting – with a newly created basement space offering extensive cycle storage with charging lockers, shower rooms, and vanity areas.
The new destination will also welcome the best of Manchester’s food and drink scene, as there’ll be a waterfront community of restaurant and bar operators, with an immersive food and drink experience on the ground floor.
Speaking on the unveiling of the proposals, Ciara Keeling – CEO at Bruntwood Works – said: “Our Pioneer programme has always been about realising our vision for the future of the workspace, and we’re proud to have created some of the best workspaces in the country through it.
“With The Alberton, we are aiming to bring a truly world-class asset to Manchester as the city continues to compete on a global stage for inward investment.”
Artist’s impression of The Alberton from Trinity Bridge / Credit: Bruntwood Works
She continued: “The office is no longer a place you have to go to, nor just a place where you go to work.
“Workspaces need to become experiential places that encapsulate what we love about our thriving city centres, but can also help to provide productivity, balance and wellness to our lives.”
Following other leading workspaces transformed as part of the Bruntwood Works Pioneer programme – including Blackfriars House, 111 Piccadilly, and Bloc – The Alberton will offer a wide array of workspaces for individuals, start-ups, and larger firms.
The mezzanine workspace – which will be accessible to those with memberships to Bruntwood Works’ spaces, or via its Pay as You Go offering – will offer a cosy coworking lounge and flexible working zones.
Workspace floors will feature views over the River Irwell.
There will also be a range of community spaces available to foster collaboration and inclusivity.
Keen to have your say? The community is invited to share their views on the plans by visiting thealberton.co.uk, or by emailing [email protected] by 23rd January 2022.
Featured Image – Bruntwood Works
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Manchester Arndale is hosting FREE workshops to help you ‘rework, restyle, and recycle’ your wardrobe
Emily Sergeant
Is your wardrobe feeling a little bland? Need to make some changes, but your bank account isn’t quite on the same wavelength? This event is here to help.
Those looking for some new ways to get creative with their style and put a spin on the clothes they already have are invited to head down to Manchester Arndale this weekend, as the Reimagine Your Fashion event is set to be a fun hands-on weekend celebrating personal style, smart choices, and sustainable ideas.
Whether you’re into upcycling, love yourself a styling session, or you just fancy doing something different in the city this summer, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into this weekend.
You can expect creative workshops, curated fashion rails, live styling tips, and a chance to give your pre-loved clothes a second life.
Oh, and did we mention it’s all free to take part in? Perfect.
There’s a collection of free ‘REWORK’ workshops taking place over the two-day event on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July, where you can learn how to turn old into gold – from patchwork denim makeovers, to scrunchie making, custom tote design, and loads more.
There’s no need to be a sewing pro either, as the workshops are beginner-friendly and designed to be relaxed and creative with all tools provided, so all you have to do is bring along the clothing items you want to upcycle.
Manchester Arndale is hosting free workshops to help you ‘rework, restyle, and recycle’ your wardrobe this weekend / Credit: Priscilla Du Preez | Ashley Diane Worsham (via Unsplash)
At the ‘RESTYLE’ sessions, Rosie, who is the stylist behind Manchester Arndale’s summer campaign, will break down this season’s biggest trends and show you how to style what’s in store now, as well as being on-hand for styling tips and outfit advice.
And finally, there’ll also be a ‘RECYCLE’ station and drop-off point where you pass on your clean pre-loved clothes to two brilliant local charities doing vital work right here in Manchester – MASH, which supports women involved in sex work and those facing homelessness or gender-based violence, and Mustard Tree which works to tackle poverty across Greater Manchester.
“Your clothes could be someone else’s fresh start,” a spokesperson for Manchester Arndale said ahead of the event.
Reimagine Your Fashion is taking place at Exchange Court in Manchester Arndale on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July running from 12pm, and you can find out more information and the times of the free workshops online here.
Featured Image – Sarah Brown (via Unsplash)
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Free Britpop karaoke event comes to Printworks this week ahead of Oasis reunion
Thomas Melia
A Britpop-themed karaoke event is making its way to Printworks this week and is expected to attract a ‘Wonderwall’ of Oasis fans.
Didn’t get tickets to see one of Manchester’s biggest musical exports at their upcoming ‘Oasis Live ’25’ tour dates? Don’t ‘Slide Away’, sing your heart out at Printworks instead.
Anyone who missed out on the biggest reunion of the year but still wants that cathartic crowd-singing feeling can soak it all up at Manchester‘s leading entertainment complex with this all-new fan-led event.
Printworks is hosting a free event featuring karaoke and live music in the lead up to Oasis’ epic hometown shows and everyone is invited.
The free Oasis sing-along will be hosted by Oasis tribute band Whatever Oasis Tribute, who will be performing two live shows at 6pm and 7pm.
You’ll definitely want to warm up your vocal chords as they’re playing all your favourite Oasis bangers, from ‘Wonderwall’ to ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’, and everything in between.
Of course, being home to Europe’s largest digital ceiling, it would be rude not to make the most of it and what better way to use it than by screening lyrics to the Burnage band’s hits ‘Up in the Sky’.
There will be lots of other activities taking place at this immersive fan event too, expect free giveaways and even a Britpop-themed visual art display voiced by Happy Mondays star and Manc royalty, Bez.
As you look up in this city centre venue, you’ll see vibrant displays of iconic imagery relating to the golden era of 90s British music and culture appearing on the digital ceiling, narrated by everyone’s favourite maraca-playing icon.
Expect Union Jack motifs, recognisable fashion trends, and even kaleidoscopic colours that evoke the feeling of this very important decade.
Printworks will be screening iconic 90s imagery on their digital ceiling / Credit: Supplied
And don’t worry, you won’t have to be ‘Standing on the Shoulder of Giants’ to get a taste of the Britpop action, as this illuminated and interactive ceiling spans 1,000 sqm, oh and ‘She’s Electric’ too.
In the spirit of all things Oasis, Printworks vendor Big Licks is offering a complimentary small tub of soft-serve ice cream to anyone wearing a bucket hat on the day of any upcoming Oasis shows.
Tank & Paddle will also be giving away free shots to bucket hat-wearers on Thursday 3 July to celebrate the sing-along event.
Kristian Brennan, Marketing Manager at Printworks, said: “Oasis are part of Manchester’s DNA, and we wanted to give our visitors a way to experience that connection – even if they didn’t get tickets.”
Printworks’ free Britpop-themed event is taking place on Thursday 3 July, featuring live music from Oasis tribute band Whatever, free karaoke, a Britpop display voiced by Bez, and lots more.
Emily Sergeant -
22nd December 2021 
