ADT Workplace has completed an extensive office refurbishment of 2 Hardman Street located in the heart of Spinningfields, one of Manchester’s most desirable business districts.

2 Hardman Street has a rich history with it once being home to a soda-water factory, a hat-making works and a silk finishing mill. Thanks to significant investment and its recent refurbishment, it now boasts some of the finest Grade A workspace available in Manchester, not to mention a prime location surrounded by the city’s best transport links, shops and amenities.

The vision

With an abundance of first-class workspace available in Manchester, the competition to attract occupiers is tough. Tenants are looking for office space within buildings which offer more than just a workplace and will give them a competitive edge when it comes to the attraction and retention of talent – whether that’s comfort and variety of workplace settings, quality of environment or facilities to support wellbeing. With this in mind, delivering the very highest in quality, modern tech and welfare facilities was essential.

As well providing a superior occupier experience, ensuring the building offers leading ESG credentials so it is fit for future purpose was key. As part of its focus on sustainability, the project team was targeting a BREEAM Very Good rating.

The transformation

Working in partnership with interior design consultancy, Bluesky, and real estate and investment agency JLL, ADT Workplace has created 65,000 sq.ft of state-of-the-art workspace including a ground floor business lounge, a coffee bar, showers, cycle and wellness amenities.

Visitors are welcomed into the building via a stunning new reception area, which includes a striking living plant wall. Additional biophilic design features are prevalent throughout the welcome area and ground floor business lounge, which are complemented by light wooden features and furniture. The natural tones and colourways intrinsic to the design, furnishes and finishes further add to the connection with nature.

The ground floor is flooded with an abundance of natural light owing to the floor-ceiling-windows, which is enhanced by distinctive feature lighting which has been cleverly incorporated to give the space the wow factor. The contemporary design is bold yet stylish and timeless, with the reception leading onto a modern and comfortable business lounge which offers a variety of informal settings for people to meet, including booths, sofas and a coffee bar.

ADT Workplace also delivered the CAT A works over half 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th floors including the installation of new M&E exposed services. All levels boast large, efficient open plan floorplates and excellent natural light with enviable views over Spinningfields. Other refurbished areas include electric car charging points in the basement as well as a cycle hub and repair point to encourage people to keep active and cycle to the office. A yoga room, and changing and shower facilities also offer occupiers a comfortable place to freshen up while at work.

Gareth Davies, director, building consultancy at JLL, commented: “We have made a considerable investment in 2 Hardman Street and the significant improvements made to the building will help in our continued drive to deliver outstanding office space and improved occupier experience across Manchester city centre. The project team has delivered a high-quality environment that is warm, welcoming, and comfortable as well as chic and professional. In addition, all the works undertaken have the highest ESG credentials, providing further benefits to tenants.”