Design philosophy behind Manchester Goods Yard

Manchester Goods Yard (Chapman Taylor for Allied London, funded by Aviva Life & Pensions UK)

Future Cities Forum will be discussing the future of office design across our newsletters and events in 2022 - particularly in our January forum which debate developers' views on the future for mixed-used city developments and workspace.

That's why we are showcasing the importance of Allied London's Manchester Goods Yard development in the St John's District of the city. Construction Director for Allied London, Gary Mather and Chapman Taylor's Associated Director, Mark Doughty, have been describing the design philosophy behind the new 350,000 square foot workplace hub at Enterprise City.

Manchester Goods Yard is set to become the fulcrum of Enterprise City at St John's, a new digital media technology hub which will be home to a mix of SME's and multi-corporation, technology and creative industry organisations. The district includes Manchester's Science and Industry Museum, which is part of the Science Museum Group.

Chapman Taylor says MGY is a significant new multi-use building delivering a critical mass of modern, flexible workspaces to promote innovation, creativity and identity. It states that the open-plan flexible workspaces will be complemented by a mix of cafe bars, restaurants and leisure facilities, with the aim of creating a vibrant neighbourhood underpinned by enterprise, culture and living.

Accredited BREEAM Excellent, the building was constructed using off-site Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), using the latest BIM technology to realise design quality and improve health & safety on site whilst reducing the construction programme, waste materials and its carbon footprint. The design ethos is based on a people-first approach, with health and wellbeing at its core, creating a healthy, vibrant environment for people to work, socialise and enjoy.

Chapman Taylor developed the concept design and secured detailed planning consent for developer Allied London before being novated to Main Contractor Lendlease for the detailed design and delivery stages, seeing the project through from concept to completion. The project was funded by Aviva Life & Pensions UK.

Manchester Good Yards - perspective section East West (Chapman Taylor)