NEW HOME FOR CREATIVITY IS A HIVE OF ACTIVITY

The hoardings are up; the builders are doing the last touch ups and Argent’s The Hive scheme in Manchester’s Northern Quarter is positively buzzing with activity. The Hive will be opening its doors soon as the finishing line is in sight, and Manchester will be host to an alternative breed of contemporary offices and creative workspace.

The 78,000 sq ft development is aimed at architects, fashionistas, photographers, PR, media, digital agencies and advertising agencies – in short, all creative industries looking for workspace in Manchester. It is focused around the heart of the vibrant and unique Northern Quarter area.

In July 2008, The Arts Council announced that it would be relocating to The Hive, which means that 16,000 sq ft of this contemporary office space and creative workspace has already been snapped up. With this activity taking place at The Hive, Argent is optimistic that it will continue to act as a magnet for inward investment as more and more businesses relocate to the Manchester.

Oliver Butler, Project Manager for Argent says: “It is fantastic to see such a lot going on at The Hive, the team has been working really hard on this project and our contemporary offices are almost ready to host some of Manchester's most creative talent in the industry. The Northern Quarter is viewed as an inspirational extension to the core of Manchester city centre, with its own personality and distinct sense of community. We were therefore very careful when developing the ideas for The Hive's offices and workspace, to ensure that we had a scheme that was in tune with the people who live and work in the Northern Quarter, and the buildings that surround it.”

Situated in Stevenson Square, The Hive was designed by the Manchester office of international architecture and design practice HKR Architects to feature flexibility, sustainability and the latest technology. The Hive boast BEEAM Excellent certified green credentials which includes the highly sustainable green roof terrace and straightforward naturally ventilated space, it is also predicted that because of the design, service charges at The Hive's workspace should be around half those of conventional builds.

Carly Grice lead architect from HKR Architects commented: “The team’s endeavors to create a sustainable building was recognised during MIPIM at the Future Projects Awards. We cannot wait to see ‘the Hive come alive’ as the landmark building in the heart of the city’s creative community.”