Trafford House transformation

Bruntwood Works, a leading workspace and leisure provider, has kickstarted the next phase of its transformation of Trafford House, Greater Manchester, as it aims to enhance productivity and improve wellbeing for the businesses and their employees based there.

The project will transform the entrance and ground floor of the building, and Bruntwood Works will break away from the traditional office reception by introducing a host point that encourages collaboration and improves customer experience. Further stand-out features will include the installation of bespoke joinery and pendant lighting in the entrance, alongside external landscaping and solar lighting, to really enhance the arrival experience.

It follows increased demand from businesses for local offices, alongside their city centre workspaces, with more companies seeking a hub and spoke solution that incorporates a city centre HQ and a geographically distributed network of offices in the surrounding suburbs.

The plans at Trafford House will bring nature into the heart of the space through biophilic design. The use of biophilia in the workplace is known to bring a host of wellbeing benefits including increased productivity, better air quality and reduced stress. It will help to create a striking new reception area and external canopy, supporting Bruntwood Works’ mission to create workspaces that meet the needs of its customers and their employees both now and in the future.

Andrew Cooke, strategic director of Bruntwood Works, said: “You have a few seconds to capture someone’s attention and we want to make sure that Trafford House not only offers an environment that supports collaboration, improves productivity and enhances the wellbeing of our customers, but is one they are proud to call home. We want to create a first-class experience for anyone visiting or working at Trafford House.

“In today’s world, the wellbeing of our people and customers is more important than ever and it's proven that employee wellbeing has a positive impact on productivity. This transformation will create a productive space that really puts people first, and in the process gives our customers an office that truly reflects their own ambitions and helps with talent attraction and retention. We’re committed to investing in our buildings across the region so we can continue to support those who want to work a little closer to home, and in Trafford House we’re bringing city centre quality to the suburbs. I can’t wait to see the end result for such a landmark building in Greater Manchester.”

The project follows the refurbishment of the building’s lounge and communal areas, which gave Trafford House customers access to a state-of-the-art gym studio with virtual classes from the world-renowned Les Mills, cycle storage, shower and changing facilities when it completed last year. It is also set to become the focus of a pilot sustainability project in 2021 as Bruntwood group works towards its net zero carbon commitment.

The landmark building – which is instantly recognisable due to the vibrant, 38 meter high mural on the facade of the building – is in a prominent location between Manchester United Football Club and Old Trafford Cricket Club on Chester Road in Old Trafford. It provides businesses with high-quality, flexible workspaces that are within easy reach of Manchester city centre and the surrounding suburbs by car and public transport.

It is already home to a broad range of companies, from property, engineering and professional services firms to housing associations, public sector and recruitment businesses, that are attracted to the quality and flexibility of the workspaces available. This includes serviced offices for one to 24 people as well as larger leased spaces. All leased workspaces are available as Made & Managed, which allows customers to build a bespoke package of services including utilities, furniture and cleaning for a simple monthly fee.

The news is the latest investment in the area and follows the announcement that Bruntwood Works and Trafford Council are set to transform the former Kellogg’s site in Old Trafford, Stretford, into a vibrant new neighbourhood – Lumina Village – as part of their joint venture, which also includes the development of the Stamford Quarter in Altrincham as well as Stretford Mall.

Completion is due in January 2021.