Construction work costing £10m on a new digital and tech hub in Manchester has been completed.
Arbeta – which gets its name from the Swedish word to work – is in the building previously known as One Central Park and is located a few minutes from The Sharp Project and two minutes from Central Park Metrolink stop.
Totalling 138,000 sq ft, the Grade A office building is aimed at digital, tech, creative and media businesses. The transformation cost £9.95 million.
OBI has been appointed as the sole leasing agent for Arbeta, which is run by Manchester Creative Digital Assets (MCDA), which also operates The Sharp Project, Space Studios and Screen Manchester.
The Sharp Project is home to over 60 digital entrepreneurs and production companies specialising in digital content production, digital media and TV and film production.
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council said: “Arbeta will build on the successful community of collaborative businesses we see at its sister building The Sharp Project. Arbeta will welcome like-minded, enterprising and innovative businesses working across the creative, digital and tech sectors.”
Designed by PRP Architects, Arbeta sees the original three block building unified into one through the addition of a new ETFE roof creating a 9,100 sq ft central, full height atrium which will be used for communal working and events. A striking steel staircase links the three floors of workspace together with new walkways around each level.
Spaces ae available from 1,400 sq ft to 71,900 sq ft. There is ample cycle and car parking, a shower block, 24/7 access, collaboration and event space, a range of meeting rooms and onsite cafe.
Andrew Cowell, transactions and asset management, OBI said: “Arbeta is going to be fantastic addition not just to The Sharp Project family but to the Manchester market. The creative workspace and amenity will attract occupiers from the tech, creative and media sectors and this will be a place to support innovation and creativity and for ambitious business to have the space to grow.”
Colin Johnson, managing director (operations), MCDA said: “Arbeta joins our successful family of work spaces designed, curated and managed to encourage the growth of the creative industries in Manchester. More importantly local people have found training and employment opportunities through The Sharp Project and Space Studios and we see Arbeta as an opportunity to continue that success.”
Vinci Construction was the main contractor on the project. A second phase of work to transform the outside of the building will be completed later in the year.
Due to the original building being completely revamped, a change of name and brand was undertaken working with creative agency Modern Designers.