Plans approved for Manchester business multi-million pound HQ expansion

By Bridging Loan Directory 21st April 2023

Cheadle-based specialist lender Together has unveiled new images of a major upgrade at its headquarters after the business was granted planning permission for the scheme.

The finance company, which employs more than 750 staff, has today revealed details of the investment, which will create a three-storey link connecting its Lakeview and 1 Lakeside buildings at Cheadle Royal Business Park.

Stockport Borough Council has agreed the project, which will deliver “a high specification office space befitting of its status within the area, creating a state-of-the-art workplace for employees,” a Together spokesman said.

Designed by Manchester-based 5plus Architects, the upgrade will enhance both buildings to increase the total floor space to 11,266 sq m, with a fresh, modern entrance, break-out areas and meeting spaces for employees. Above this will be a new executive suite and board room with a terrace.

Kevin Fisher, People Director at Together, said:

“We’re delighted to have received planning permission for what are major investment plans and we thank the Council for supporting us in realising our ambitions.

This sustainable development has been designed to bridge the gap between the two buildings, to maximise the use of this space to create improved facilities, a welcoming reception area and a new glazed entrance atrium.

Our expansion plans will mean our headquarters have the largest footprint on the business park, underlining our commitment to Cheadle Royal, and to providing a modern and accessible work space for our valued colleagues as we continue to grow our successful business.”

Consultants Hilson Moran, used thermal modelling in the design process to ensure that the new link operates in a sustainable way, with new highly-efficient plant minimising energy consumption and operational carbon.

The upgrade will also include more electric vehicle charging points and cycling racks – encouraging environmentally-friendly travel to the office for staff and visitors.

Planning consultants Eden Planning & Development secured permission for the development from Stockport Borough Council last month following a wide-ranging consultation.

Donna Barber from Eden Planning said:

“The approved scheme will revolutionise Together’s working environment by incorporating a contemporary extension.

This addition will offer clients a unique sense of arrival while fostering an enhanced workspace focused on innovation and employee well-being.

Emphasising sustainability and forward-thinking design, this development will contribute lasting value to the local area.”

Andy Hart Associate Sustainability Consultant at Hilson Moran said it was “proud” to support Together in delivering their low energy building link.

He said: “The engineering proposals promote the latest technologies in energy efficiency whilst the building façade enhances passive design and wellbeing features. The link also provides the business an opportunity to repurpose their existing buildings to ensure the business needs are met whilst fundamentally minimising their embodied carbon impact.”

Together, which provides commercial and personal finance and has a £6bn loan book, has been headquartered at the business park since 2012, when it first opened its offices at Lake View, and later took over neighbouring building 1 Lakeside.