SWIP to carry out Barbirolli Square refurb

Scottish Widows Investment Partnership (SWIP) has unveiled plans for a significant investment into its 101 Barbirolli Square Manchester City Centre office building to upgrade and reposition it in the marketplace.

101 Barbirolli Square was acquired by SWIP in 2011 and the six storey, 83,700 sq ft building is let to financial advisor PwC and law firm DLA Piper until 2017.

SWIP has appointed CBRE to project manage the refurbishment and a joint venture team of Fletcher Rae and SpaceInvader as Architect.

The project, which represents a significant capital investment from SWIP, will involve a new entrance and reception with concierge, breakout and meeting space.

The common areas, lifts and amenity cores will be fully refurbished to create open two storey space with a galleried first floors and new glazing to create an open and transparent entrance.

SWIP are in the process of developing the scheme with a view to submitting a planning application later this year.

Stephen Barnes, director of Building Consultancy at CBRE, commented; “This is an exciting opportunity to enhance and reposition an iconic office building in a fantastic setting near the recently revamped St Peter’s Square. “The new space will ensure the long-term success of the building and is a vote of confidence in the regional office market from the building’s owner.”

Elaine McCann, investment manager at SWIP, said: “This investment demonstrates our commitment to 101 Barbirolli Square and to our valued occupiers. “The building occupies a strategic location within Manchester and by revitalising the internal space and creating a stylish working environment, we can create a quality product to meet the needs of modern occupiers.”

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