3D Reid wins planning approval for Co-op's Manchester HQ

The Co-operative Group has won planning approval for its new headquarters in Manchester, designed by 3D Reid.

The development is the first phase in the regeneration of the Co-op's 20-acre site at the city's Northern Gateway, between Miller Street and Corporation Street.

The design provides 325,000 sq ft of open plan office space around a central atrium and is aimed to be “one of the most environmentally sustainable in Europe”.

Construction of the 15-storey building will begin next year. Laing O'Rourke, BAM Construct, Sir Robert McAlpine and Bovis Lend Lease are all in running for the job.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This major commitment that the Co-operative movement is making to Manchester is enormously welcome. The iconic headquarters building is the clearest demonstration possible of a strong approach to quality and the creation of a place where people will want to work and visit.”