Rylands Building, Manchester City Centre

AM Alpha

AMAlpha appointed us to develop strategic proposals for the Grade II Listed Rylands Building on Market Street in Manchester.

A 1930s warehouse, the building was latterly used as Pauldens and then Debenhams department stores.

From basic principles exploring many sketch proposals, the scheme settled into an office led mixed use scheme comprising 28,500m2 office accommodation on upper floors, alongside 5,900 m2 commercial uses at ground and basement.

Taking a lead from the long-lost showroom entrance a market hall arcade extends through the ground floor, increasing shop-frontage and creating areas where dwell time can be increased.

Bringing new use to a long vacant building offers an opportunity for the sensitive restoration of the ‘jewel’ heritage spaces which remain around the building. Complemented by a rooftop extension, the development offers one of the most significant regeneration projects in Manchester City Centre.

A serious constraint of the existing is the deep plan of circa 55m which inhibits light penetration deep into the building plan. In response an atrium is cut through the building from 7th floor to 1st allowing light to reach the darkest parts of the plan.