Allied London unveils expansion of Enterprise City vision

Developer Allied London has shed new light on its latest plans for the £1bn St John’s development in Manchester.

Speaking today (March 15) at the MIPIM property conference in Cannes, CEO Michael Ingall outlined how the former Astley & Byrom House complex will be re-adapted and refurbished.

The cluster of three 1960s buildings will be renamed ABC and transformed into a home for film, TV, media and tech companies in the city centre.

The project is part of Allied London’s Enterprise City, a new community of innovators based within the six-acre St John’s scheme.

Working with architects Levitt Bernstein, Allied London said it will readapt the properties to enhance the original ’60s architectural features.

All three have lain empty for almost 10 years.

Construction work on the ABC complex is already underway and due for completion late summer.

Michael Ingall said: “Diversity is at the heart of our Enterprise City brand and it’s driving a tech, media and creative agenda at St Johns that includes a wide range of commercial uses, especially those around TV and film making.

“The ABC Buildings once restored to their 60s ethos and enhanced with an advanced tech infrastructure, will make powerful additions to our Enterprise City vision.”

Elsewhere, Mr Ingall discussed plans for a new 500,000 sq ft concept building called Enterprise City Campus.

He continued: “At this stage it’s only a concept but could lead to a significant extension of Enterprise City – it’s the difference between 10 and 15 thousand workers.

“The building if developed would be an extension of Enterprise city and be adjacent to the new Factory arts centre, and replace a part of the Trinity Islands development, deliberately designed for modern Industry and have a real purpose focussed on inward investment for enterprising businesses.”

How Enterprise City Campus could look

Allied London is working on the proposals with architects Child Graddon Lewis (CGL).

Paul Graddon, director at CGL, commented: “Imagine waking up in the morning and looking out over stunning views of Manchester from your Trinity Islands apartment, going down to the gym, picking up your coffee to then walk along the river bank, into one of the most exciting and well-connected workspaces in the City.

“The addition of Enterprise City Campus, to what is already one of the most forward-thinking regeneration schemes in the UK, creates another brilliant opportunity for Manchester and its residents. CGL is thrilled to be a part of it and this is made even more significant due to its location just next door to Trinity Islands.”