Manchester’s most exciting new workspace is making a big impact ahead of its opening this summer. New details have been revealed about the innovative social and green initiatives at Windmill Green.
Developers FORE Partnership are implementing a training and employment programme on the 78,000 sq ft office building on Mount Street in central Manchester, together with site contractor Kier Construction.
Windmill Green is doing its part and has provided construction workshops and site visits for young people from Manchester Construction Academy, Thorncross Young Offenders Institute, Manchester Refugee Network and Manchester College interested in a career in construction.
In the coming months, interviews will be carried out with candidates to fulfil work experience opportunities with Kier and its sub-contractors during the final fit out phase of the project.
Graduate engineers are also taking part in a 12-week exchange programme with Curtins, the structural engineers working at Windmill Green.
Basil Demeroutis, Managing Partner of FORE, said: “We think our responsibility as stewards of city spaces extends far beyond design trends and ‘check the box’ features.
“Our mission is to see all properties achieve their full potential as a force for social good. Windmill Green has been designed to energise and inspire, be a hub of energy that promotes good health, well-being a bustling community that fosters innovation and creativity across all industries and sectors.”
Lara Da Rocha Faria, CSR Manager for Kier Construction, said: “It is refreshing to be working with a client as forward thinking about social impact as FORE, whose values and ethos are so perfectly aligned with Kiers 20/20 vision of shaping our communities.”
The building’s performance will be put to the test as it strives for gold certification in the WELL Building Standard. The standard monitors air, nourishment, light, fitness and comfort to help people work and perform at their best.
The highly sustainable design is also aiming to achieve BREEAM “Outstanding” certification.
Windmill Green would be Manchester’s only first multi-let BREEAM Outstanding building, and similarly the first in the city to achieve Well Certified’s top accreditation level.
The building’s welcoming roof garden, the best in Manchester for a commercial office scheme, beehives, cycle hub, coffee bar, living walls and scooter hire are just some of the features on offer.
From using sustainable materials to achieving exceptionally low energy demand and water consumption, Windmill Green is attracting attention from forward-thinking companies looking to create a healthy, enjoyable environment that aligns with their vision and values.
“We care about our impact on the environment and have created a building that has sustainability at its heart,” added Demeroutis. “This will be a new kind of workspace. Central, communal, adaptable and ethical, we are creating a working environment that attracts the best talent in town.”
Later this month Windmill Green will be taking part in Open Doors, a national campaign to promote working in the construction industry. On 23 and 24 March, Windmill Green will be opening its doors to the public. To find out more and book visit http://opendoors.construction/...
