SimpsonHaugh Architects is pleased to announce the relocation of its Manchester studio to 55 King Street this summer, marking a new chapter for the practice after more than 25 years based at Commercial Street in Castlefield.
The new 10,690 sq ft studio, located on the fifth floor of 55 King Street, offers panoramic views across the city centre. The move follows the signing of a 10-year lease with Orbit Developments, who have invested significantly in the building carrying out a full-scale refurbishment.
Founded by Ian Simpson and Rachel Haugh in 1987, SimpsonHaugh has compiled an impressive portfolio of award winning national and international projects. Regionally the practice has played a major role in regenerating Manchester City Centre with its designs of No. 1 Deansgate and Beetham Hilton Tower along with major regeneration schemes including the New Jackson neighbourhood.
“We see 55 King Street as a great opportunity to locate our practice in the heart of the city, in a building that we have long admired. We selected a complete upper floor as this allows us to gather the whole of the Manchester studio together on a single level which benefits from quality light and great views. We identified this unique opportunity early on within Orbit’s refurbishment programme, allowing us to create a bespoke environment and fit-out that directly responds to the needs of our team and culture. We aim to create a fabulous, new, contemporary setting complete with amenity which provides a springboard for ongoing creativity.” Ian Simpson and Rachel Haugh.
Orbit Developments’ Leasing Director, Adam Jackson, said: “Our extensive remodelling works have revitalised 55 King Street, exposing the original concrete soffits and installing new all-electric HVAC system to deliver a more sustainable workspace for the next generation.”
Originally designed by Casson, Conder & Partners for District Bank—later NatWest Bank—55 King Street is a well-known landmark in Manchester’s Central Business District. The building’s extensive refurbishment celebrates its architectural heritage while creating a distinctive, energy-efficient workspace.
Using the expertise of their extensive commercial experience in the region including No.1 Spinningfields, Two St. Peters Square, and NOMA’s 5* NABERS-rated 4 Angel Square and, more recently, the retrofit of One Hardman Boulevard in Spinningfields, SimpsonHaugh is proud to have undertaken the interior design of its new studio space at 55 King Street, with the fitout being carried out by Jones Contracts.
