GMPA Force Headquarters, Manchester, United Kingdom

GMPA Force Headquarters approved for construction
Construction will be able to commence later in the year on the Greater Manchester Police Authority (GMPA) Force Headquarters as the full business case approval was awarded today. Located within Central Park, New East Manchester’s developing business park, the new £64M building will create a modern, state-ofthe- art corporate office facility which will help elevate Greater Manchester Police as a world-class leader in business as well as law enforcement.

Working with Ask Goodman Developments Ltd and in response to detailed discussions and workshops with the Greater Manchester Police, Aedas designed the 240,000 sq ft office to respond to complex inter-department relationships and operational aspirations. The six-storey stone and glass building offers a bright and open atmosphere that will be inviting to both staff and visitors. Aedas Director Dominic Manfredi noted: “We are delighted that the New Force Headquarters has been given the go ahead and are pleased to have the opportunity to create a landmark building on the Manchester skyline.”

Arranged around a dramatic central atrium, the open plan offices will be introduced to encourage interaction and to strengthen communication between departments. Breakout pods have been added within the core of the atrium, drawing staff to the nucleus of the building.

Ask Developments Director, David Burkinshaw said: “GMPA’s decision is great news for Central Park and the wider Greater Manchester area. Located on a prime plot adjacent to the new Gateway transport interchange and Metrolink station, GMP will be moving in to an extremely sustainable and outstanding corporate HQ building. The relocation of more than 1,000 staff will significantly increase Central Park’s business community, creating a critical mass of 600,000 sq ft when the building completes.”

The building has been designed to achieve a BREEAM Rating of Excellent. It will utilise a number of renewable energy technologies such as, solar thermal collectors and solar photo voltaic panels to achieve a 15% improvement on Building Regulation’s carbon emissions.

The programmed completion is anticipated for February 2011.

source: www.worldarchitecturenews.com
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