This evening I attended the launch event for a very special building.
It’s the new BDP building near Piccadilly Station.
The metallic south facade runs along Ducie Street. The north facade overlooks the Ashton Canal in Piccadilly Basin. The floor to ceiling glass windows make wonderful reflections, in fact the building appears to float in the water.
On all criteria, this must be one of the best buildings in Manchester, offering many advantages for those lucky enough to work there:
- It’s thoughtfully and attractively designed, with superb use of natural wood and concrete.
- It is very eco-friendly, complying with the highest current standards.
- An ingenious ventilation system brings in fresh air from outside, creating a very pleasant working atmosphere in every sense.
- There are balconies with wooden decking overlook the water – it’s like being on a cruise liner.
- From the balconies and end stairs there are panoramic views over Manchester.
- It’s close to Piccadilly Station, ideal for non-car commuting.
- And I understand, the cafeteria is excellent.
The staff moved there from their previous offices in Sunlight House earlier this year and I’m told that by the afternoon of the first day, they had all settled in.
This evening’s launch event celebrated the building and BDP’s other achievements.
Senior people from BDP and the city were present.
Gavin Elliott, Chairman of BDP Manchester gave a witty introduction, followed by Sir Howard Bernstien, Chief Executive Manchester City Council, who gave a rousing speech. Tony Juniper, former chief of Friends of the Earth, talked powerfully and chillingly about the the challenges of climate change.
I was given a guided tour of the building by BDP architect Ken Moth. Ken has been closely involved in many building restoration projects including Murrays Mill in Ancoats. Later I chatted to Stephen Redfern, Executive Director BDP North.
There was ample champagne and delicious canapes.
BDP is responsible for many of the most high profile and architecturally innovative projects in Manchester and the North West, including:
- The new Piccadilly Station
- Cathedral Gardens
- The new M&S building
- Aintree Racecourse
- Manchester United South Stand
- Hardman St Deloittes (where my photos are on display on the doors of the client meeting rooms!)
- Murrays Mills
- Abito Salford
- Ropewalks Liverpool
- Liverpool One.
The new BDP building was designed by BDP’s architects and engineers, led by architect director Gary Wilde.
For more info go to www.bdp.com
Many thanks to Andy Spinoza of SKV for the invitation. Visit www.skvpr.co.uk
