Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Mayor, Andy Burnham has welcomed the official launch of ‘Island’, a £66million, 100,000 sq ft net zero carbon office development, heralded as a catalyst for inclusive, sustainable urban growth in Manchester city centre.
Delivered by joint-venture partners HBD, part of Henry Boot and Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF), with the support of Manchester City Council and the GMCA, Island has redefined what modern workspace can offer, setting a new benchmark for sustainable, people-first development.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “Greater Manchester has the fastest growing economy in the UK, but to sustain our success, we need to provide the right spaces for businesses to grow into.
“Island is a welcome addition to Manchester’s thriving city centre, offering the kind of modern facilities and sustainability credentials people are looking for. It’s also a great example how investment from the Greater Manchester Pension Fund is being used to drive our city-region’s growth while generating a return for members.”
Speaking at the event, Adam Brady, Executive Director at HBD, commented:
“A project like Island would never have come to fruition had it not been for the way in which our partners have collaborated and shared our vision. We took the decision to speculatively develop Island back in January 2022, with the principal of placing people, design and wellbeing at its core. Today we have realised that vision, thanks to the partners and the project team’s commitment and collaboration.”
In October last year, Island signed stellar tenant Virgin Media O2, taking almost 50,000 sq ft and leaving just four floors remaining. Virgin Media O2 is now undertaking a multi-million pound fit out and aims to be operational before the end of this year.
Island builds on HBD and Henry Boot’s legacy in Manchester. Projects in the city include Kampus, The Courthouse redevelopment on Deansgate, which is home to Hawksmoor, and the forthcoming £140million Colloco office scheme at St. John’s. HBD has secured detailed planning for the 200,000 sq ft next generation workspace project and is in early discussions with funding partners to take the scheme forward in the near future.
Councillor Eleanor Wills – Chair, Greater Manchester Pension Fund, added:
“From the outset, Island has been driven by a partnership built on trust, transparency, and a shared belief in long-term, sustainable investment – not just in financial terms, but in what this scheme brings to the wider community and economy.”
“By supporting developments such as this, we are not only supporting much-needed regeneration but we’re also helping to drive job creation, attract new businesses, and create thriving urban environments. The returns we generate go back into local pensions, yes, but they also help to power local economies. It’s a virtuous circle.”
Through the devolution of power across England, Greater Manchester has led the way on growth, recording the highest % of growth rate outside of London.