1 Spinningfields

Background

1 Hardman Square (2004–2013)

The high-rise was first proposed in 2004, linking in with the new developments in Spinningfields and the growth in proposals for tall buildings in the city at the time. The 2008 financial crisis paralysed the development market, particularly in the expensive sector of constructing skyscrapers.

In 2011 it was reported that developers of the tower, Allied London, were on the verge of sealing a £165 million deal with German fund manager, Union Investment. As part of the deal, Union Investments forward-purchased 1 Hardman Square, which gave Allied London the capital to construct the building. Construction of the building was dependent on whether Allied London could sign up tenants for half the building, which reportedly could have taken up to two years as the economy recovered.

No. 1 Spinningfields (2014–present)

Following the news in 2011 that a deal to build a 350000 sqft Grade A office tower of 20 storeys was possible, plans for such a scheme were finally released in January 2014 and submitted for planning permission.

Construction began in July 2015, with BAM appointed as the main contractor on what became a £73 million project. The building structure incorporates three major cantilevering façades, including a 7.5 m eastern cantilever formed by a Vierendeel truss, which shaped both the engineering strategy and the external massing.

By November 2016 the steel frame and cantilevered elements were progressing on site, forming the final component of the wider Spinningfields masterplan. The tower topped out in 2017 and was completed in March 2018, delivering approximately 34,000 sqm of Grade A office accommodation and establishing itself as the tallest office building constructed in Manchester for 50 years.

As of 2025, the building is Manchester's tallest office building built since City Tower was constructed in 1965.

References

References

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3. (22 July 2011). "£200m boost to city centre property sector". Manchester Evening News.
4. (21 July 2011). "Allied Close To Funding Deal For New Spinningfields Block".
5. (26 July 2011). "Investment streams run in Manchester's direction". Manchester Evening News.
6. (22 July 2011). "Manchester set for office building boom".
7. (21 January 2014). "No.1 Spinningfields - plans for new city centre skyscraper with 19th-floor restaurant". Manchester Evening News.
8. "No.1 Spinningfields, Manchester".
9. "Steel creates office landmark". New Steel Construction.
10. (29 April 2015). "Demand for office space soars as Manchester finds its civic heart". Manchester Evening News.