Projects / ABC Buildings, Manchester

Client

Allied London

Project Description

ABC Buildings is a vibrant mix of work, social and leisure spaces within the unique cluster of three buildings previously known as Astley, Byrom and Cooper house. Built between 1959 and 1965 by Leach Rhodes Walker, the scheme is an excellent example of post-war architecture in the modern style. Throughout the decades the Building has been considerably reconfigured including addition of new feature canopy and glazed entrances, which have considerably altered the original architectural aesthetics.

The purpose of the latest refurbishment was to reinstate the features of the original building whilst transforming its internal areas into a creative community providing new modern workspace for media, technology and creative businesses, alongside cinema, gym, recording studios and an outdoor performance deck with a glass dome. Now known as ABC, the building forms a key part of Enterprise City in the heart of St. John’s neighbourhood.

ABC Buildings include an Everyman Cinema; Barry’s Bootcamp gym, The Farm recording and media studios offering 23,000 sq.ft post production spaces and ABC CoLAB offering flexible workspace, meeting and event spaces.

Status

Completed June 2020

Project team

Client: Allied London
Architect: 3DReid
Project Manager: OBI Property
Quantity Surveyor: Paragon
Structural Engineers: Curtins
M&E Engineers: MEP Design
Fire Engineers: Chapman BDSP
Acoustics: Sandy Brown Associates
Principal Designer: ORSA Projects
Main Contractor: McLaren Construction

Photos

© Richard Kiely / www.richardkiely.co.uk