Since the news last September that a power partnership of Allied London and Manchester City Council had purchased the iconic Quay Street and its studios, we’ve been intrigued to know what they really meant by plans to create a “mixed-use destination.”
a diverse range of media businesses to work in an area absolutely full of cultural history
Well the news just in is that part of the former Granada building will be let out to media firms as soon as full control has been taken by Allied on 1 June.
Simply and colloquially rebranded “Hello House”, the office block will net a diverse range of media businesses to work in an area absolutely full of cultural history. Confirmed tenants include Echo PR, a radio station, Manchester Confidential, Journey 9, and two new media-start-ups.
The initial building will include ‘collision areas’, which may sound potentially violent, but which in fact entail opportunities for the brands to meet and collaborate. Hello House will for example, feature a media roof bar and social club which will see many a press launch and event. There will also be a particular focus on creating places to meet and chat.
Michael Ingall, chief executive at Allied London said:
“Our vision is to promote the creation of a completely new mixed-use quarter for Manchester City Centre. This area of the city is rich in heritage, history and character, and we intend to make sure this makes a valuable contribution to our thinking on design and development. At the heart of our plans is the intention to create a new sense of place and community.”