Renovation plan for £14m Manchester airport office complex
The new owners of an airport office complex next to Manchester airport have revealed refurbishment plans to bring the iconic 1950s building up to top-class energy standards.
Work has started to replace windows and central heating systems at Manchester International Office Centre (MIOC) after Charles Street Finance provided a multi-million-pound loan for the family-run SiteQuest Group to buy the landmark building.
SiteQuest are now pressing ahead with a refurbishment programme to install double glazing and to replace outdated gas central heating with Variable Refrigerated Flow (VRF) which is significantly more energy efficient.
As part of SiteQuest’s rolling programme to improve the building’s sustainability they are also refurbishing offices as they become empty, researching roof-mounted solar panels and other future energy-saving measures.
The aim for the entire building to meet grade a A-B Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, one of the most efficient, typically found in modern eco-homes or properties equipped with extensive renewable generation.
SiteQuest was founded by former bricklayer apprentice and Royal Engineer, Bob Blackwell along with his wife Jane Eva, his sons Will and Tom are also both directors.
Will Blackwell said: “MIOC fits our strategy perfectly. Multi-let estates like this let us work closely with occupiers and accommodate them as their needs change, upsizing or downsizing, without them having to leave. That flexibility is what drives long-term tenant retention.
“We are someway through our refurbishment programme already and plan to make the building best in class in terms of energy performance and sustainability.
“The centre has had extensive refurbishment over the years, and we are currently undergoing works, which will make it even more attractive for our tenants and will last for years to come.”
The 100,000 sq ft three storey complex sits on a 6.6-acre site, in Styal Road, Wythenshawe, was originally built at the height of the Cold War in 1954 in the post-war modernist style by architects Cruickshank and Seward.
It was originally built as the headquarters for Renold, a 140-year old manufacturer of industrial chains, with a huge reinforced concrete basement, designed to offer protection in the event of a nuclear blast.
The building has undergone a complete internal transformation with refurbishment of the reception and common areas, and now includes a fitness centre, with changing rooms and showers, a café and a business lounge.
There is also a tree lined walk and large lawn used for regular tenant events, including summer BBQs and nearly 550 parking spaces, including EV charging points.
Charles Street Finance provided a facility for its purchase, supporting SiteQuest’s wider growth strategy, which includes expanding its commercial property portfolio.
The Cheadle-based property lender had previously provided a £2m revolving credit facility allowing the group to buy part of Deeside’s Zone 1 Industrial Estate earlier this year.
Charles Street director Carl Graham said: “We’re proud to continue supporting SiteQuest as they continue to grow their already-successful business. The MIOC is a fantastic building, which still retains that 1950s style while providing modern refurbished offices for their tenants.
“It’s fantastic to be working as finance partners with such an entrepreneurial family and are excited to see their sustainability plans for the Manchester International Office Centre come to fruition.”