Member Article

Allied London unveil plans for Spinningfields’ Hardman Square

Allied London has today unveiled plans for a new urban oasis in Hardman Square, to be known as ‘The Field’.

‘The Field’ will be a celebration of green space in the city; a cutting-edge, but inherently sustainable destination, with exciting bars and restaurants, interlinking footpaths and planted areas. The Field will complement the world-class No 1. Spinningfields office, Manchester’s highest specified commercial building, which launched its new marketing suite situated in the heart of the site, to a host of agents, press and influencers last week.

A permanent and adventurous public space, home to a four-storey, timber-framed building known as The Pavillion, The Field has been inspired by Eleanor Byrom, a young Manchester-habitant whose health was transformed in the 1700’s by a field opposite her home, today known as ‘Hardman Square’.

An impressive timber structure, The Pavillion will be greened and softened with landscaped ledges and trellises, tiered seating and street furniture, adding some ever-needed public green space to the urban layout of Manchester city centre. Enveloped by a green veil, which will link and intertwine The Pavillion and The Field together, this vibrant new area will be a unified and completely unique space for an ever-evolving Spinningfields.

Michaell Ingall, Allied London’s Chief Executive commented: “The Field will be a space with a personality. Inspired by a true story, continuing on a legacy, The Field will reinvigorate the vision of a 19th century girl who fought to retain green space in Manchester. This wish is as relevant as ever today and The Field will provide a dynamic and inviting space for Manchester.”

“A place of this calibre was always envisioned as part of the original Spinningfields masterplan and will become a home from home for resident workers at Spinningfields, especially those based at No.1 Spinningfields, who will have this iconic new structure on their doorstep.

“We hope it will be a legacy, not only to the remarkable story of ‘The Field’, but also to the financial crisis of 2008, a crisis that put a stop to the development plans for several years. Out of crisis comes opportunity. In this case the overwhelming success this area enjoyed as temporary public realm with The Lawn Club seemed to add more value to the place than any building could ever do. It has ensured the opportunity to keep it free for people to enjoy and continue something exceptional and striking.

“Now seems an apt time in the wake of Brexit to reinvigorate that sense of hope and in true British style, to keep calm and carry on.”

Allied London will invite selected innovative leisure operators to pitch for the chance to trade at the Pavillion and become part of a brand new calibre of destination for city dwellers to relax and socialise. A planning application is set to be submitted shortly with work due to start on ‘The Field’ later in 2016.

Allied London’s 19-storey commercial development, No.1 Spinningfields will complete the masterplan for Spinningfields and create a world-class development unrivalled outside of London. The building will open in 2017.

The Field and the Pavillion are designed by Sheppard Robson. Neal Allen-Burt, associate partner commented: “We are delighted to hold this unique opportunity to design an unparalleled piece of urban public space. ‘The Field’, and ‘The Pavillion’ grew out of a strong desire to create a distinctive new building with an intrinsic link to its landscape that gives back something truly unique to the commercial heart of the city.”

Allied London has today unveiled plans for a new urban oasis in Hardman Square, to be known as ‘The Field’.

‘The Field’ will be a celebration of green space in the city; a cutting-edge, but inherently sustainable destination, with exciting bars and restaurants, interlinking footpaths and planted areas. The Field will complement the world-class No 1. Spinningfields office, Manchester’s highest specified commercial building, which launched its new marketing suite situated in the heart of the site, to a host of agents, press and influencers last week.

A permanent and adventurous public space, home to a four-storey, timber-framed building known as The Pavillion, The Field has been inspired by Eleanor Byrom, a young Manchester-habitant whose health was transformed in the 1700’s by a field opposite her home, today known as ‘Hardman Square’.

An impressive timber structure, The Pavillion will be greened and softened with landscaped ledges and trellises, tiered seating and street furniture, adding some ever-needed public green space to the urban layout of Manchester city centre. Enveloped by a green veil, which will link and intertwine The Pavillion and The Field together, this vibrant new area will be a unified and completely unique space for an ever-evolving Spinningfields.

Michaell Ingall, Allied London’s Chief Executive commented: “The Field will be a space with a personality. Inspired by a true story, continuing on a legacy, The Field will reinvigorate the vision of a 19th century girl who fought to retain green space in Manchester. This wish is as relevant as ever today and The Field will provide a dynamic and inviting space for Manchester.”

“A place of this calibre was always envisioned as part of the original Spinningfields masterplan and will become a home from home for resident workers at Spinningfields, especially those based at No.1 Spinningfields, who will have this iconic new structure on their doorstep.

“We hope it will be a legacy, not only to the remarkable story of ‘The Field’, but also to the financial crisis of 2008, a crisis that put a stop to the development plans for several years. Out of crisis comes opportunity. In this case the overwhelming success this area enjoyed as temporary public realm with The Lawn Club seemed to add more value to the place than any building could ever do. It has ensured the opportunity to keep it free for people to enjoy and continue something exceptional and striking.

“Now seems an apt time in the wake of Brexit to reinvigorate that sense of hope and in true British style, to keep calm and carry on.”

Allied London will invite selected innovative leisure operators to pitch for the chance to trade at the Pavillion and become part of a brand new calibre of destination for city dwellers to relax and socialise. A planning application is set to be submitted shortly with work due to start on ‘The Field’ later in 2016.

Allied London’s 19-storey commercial development, No.1 Spinningfields will complete the masterplan for Spinningfields and create a world-class development unrivalled outside of London. The building will open in 2017.

The Field and the Pavillion are designed by Sheppard Robson. Neal Allen-Burt, associate partner commented: “We are delighted to hold this unique opportunity to design an unparalleled piece of urban public space. ‘The Field’, and ‘The Pavillion’ grew out of a strong desire to create a distinctive new building with an intrinsic link to its landscape that gives back something truly unique to the commercial heart of the city.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emily Hallinan .