Chapman Taylor's Manchester Goods Yard nominated for Best Commercial Workplace at BCO Northern Awards
Manchester Goods Yard
The Manchester Goods Yard (MGY) building located in the heart of Enterprise City, Manchester, has earned a prestigious nomination for the 'Best Commercial Workplace' category at the upcoming Northern Regional British Council for Offices' (BCO) awards in the UK. Chapman Taylor designed this development for developer Allied London and was then novated to Main Contractor Lendlease for the delivery stage, seeing the project through from concept to completion.
As the commercial centre of Enterprise City, Manchester Goods Yard draws design inspiration from the industrial warehouses of Brooklyn, New York, seamlessly integrating aesthetic appeal with functional sophistication.
Designed to reflect the 21st-century work culture, MGY features a visually striking Brutalist design that offers a glimpse into the future of workspaces. Symbolizing the pinnacle of contemporary enterprise, the building is dedicated to fostering collaboration, inspiration, and productivity within a dynamic and vibrant environment.
Positioned at the core of St. John’s creative district, MGY is more than just a workspace—it serves as a vibrant hub that combines work and leisure. The ground floor, designed as a lively epicentre, hosts an array of food and beverage options, catering to both resident workers and visitors throughout the day.
The large-format office floor plates are designed to be adaptable and flexible, embracing health, wellbeing, and a connection with nature. These features create an environment that promotes creativity and offers a vibrant setting for people to work and collaborate.
MGY is complemented by café bars, restaurants, and leisure facilities, contributing to the vision of creating a lively neighbourhood where people can live, work, shop, and relax.
The British Council for Offices (BCO), founded in 1990, serves as the leading forum for discussing and debating issues affecting the office sector. The Northern Awards Dinner, where winners will be announced, is scheduled for May 9, 2024, at The Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester. This event celebrates excellence in office space across the North of England, North Wales, and Northern Ireland, and recognises outstanding achievements in the field.
One Arlington Square
One Arlington Square involves the extensive renovation of a Grade A office building located at the heart of the Arlington Square Business Park Bracknell. The £2 million refurbishment project has transformed the existing 1990s office building, reimagining its use and creating a vibrant amenity space within the property.
One Arlington Square spans an impressive 9,865 square meters (GIA) and consists of four interconnected blocks surrounding a central courtyard. The elevations of the building feature a classical tripartite design, clad in buff brickwork with contrasting Portland/GRC plinth, portico, window surrounds, and deep cornice. However, the courtyard space within the building was previously underutilised and exposed to the elements.
The material selection for the renovation project revolved around a strong sense of wellness and relaxation. Terracotta tones were incorporated to enhance the existing brickwork, providing a striking pop of colour that seamlessly blends with warm oak and rich biophilic fauna throughout the building. Organic forms embedded within flooring patterns and kidney bean-shaped joinery contribute to the biophilic design, creating idyllic meeting spots. Notably, the integration of a bleacher seating zone that morphs into a secret treehouse elevates the experience, inviting users to meander through the spaces and enjoy a lunchtime stroll in the park.
The completion of the One Arlington Square renovation marks an exciting milestone for the office building, offering a refreshed and revitalised environment for its occupants. The project showcases the successful transformation of an underutilized space into a vibrant amenity area, complementing the building's architectural composition and creating a more welcoming workplace for all tenants.
The British Council for Offices (BCO), founded in 1990, serves as the leading forum for discussing and debating issues affecting the workplace. The Northern Awards Dinner, where winners will be announced, is scheduled for May 9, 2024, at The Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester. This event celebrates excellence in office space across the North of England, North Wales, and Northern Ireland, and recognises outstanding achievements in the field.