This project for Grosvenor forms part of a wide ongoing refurbishment of the Grade II Listed Ship Canal House in Manchester.

This first phase involved a complete stripout of the 9th floor (former caretakers accommodation) to create a bright and inviting ‘Plug and Play’ suite on the 9th floor.

The scheme involved extensive liaison with the Fire Consultant and English Heritage in order to successfully open up the space. A new fire curtain was integrated into the refurbished ceiling soffit, and existing beams (some of which were discovered following strip-out) were drylined to express the historical structure of the floor. New air conditioning was provided, with exposed services painted out cream to match the ceilings. The use of painted services provides a sympathetic bridge between the heritage and industrial elements of the scheme.

The design was developed using a soft palette of neutral colours to appeal to a variety of tenants. Work settings include traditional desks, standing height collaboration, seated teams space, breakout and kitchen. Two enclosed meeting rooms were included with a movable wall for flexibility. The reception area was redesigned to provide two waiting spaces, with glazed screens and curtains to provide privacy. The reception counter with feature lighting provides a welcome point for visitor to the space, leading to the open plan office via feature glazed partitions which incorporate the heritage building proportions.

The washrooms were also refurbished as part of the wider common parts scheme to be rolled out in phases throughout 2023/24. The design is intended to reflect the 1930s heritage of the building, with the new colour palette taken from the existing heritage staircase.