Work starts on glass dome 'meeting pod' for rooftop of 1960s office building in city centre

A developer has started work to build a glass dome on the roof of a cluster of 1960s office buildings in the city centre.

Allied London has been refurbishing Astley & Byrom House on Quay Street since 2018.

They have been rebranded 'the ABC buildings' with the aim of making it a hub for film, TV and tech companies.

The buildings had been empty for ten years and the previous owner had planned to demolish them and build taller tower blocks instead.

However, Allied London saw potential in the 'true sixties' architecture and design and decided to bring it back to life.

The refurbishment work includes improvement of the facades, a new entrance and canopy on Quay Street and a single storey rooftop extension.

The 175- square metre dome is in the process of being installed (Allied London)

But the most eye-catching change will be the extensive amenity area being built on the Cooper Pavilion roof deck between the two buildings.

A 175 square-metre glass dome is in the process of being installed that will be used as a 'meeting pod' for tenants.

Architects says the dome will provide natural heat and daylight (Allied London)

In a planning application approved last month, Allied said their team 'has developed an innovative terrace design that better utilises its city centre roof-top location, the good natural lighting afforded to this location and reflects the commercial operations of the building.'

'The geodesic dome will create a more attractive amenity space for future users, allowing a greater appreciation of the cityscape views from the roof,' they added.

'Natural daylighting will also assist with solar gain and provides natural heating to the space.'

Outside the glass dome, there will also be a seating area, artificial grass and a small retailer in a 'caravan' style unit. 

It is part of wider plans for the refurbishment of the 1960s buildings (Allied London)

The ABC buildings are part the wider Enterprise City project, Allied London's plan to revive the media industry in Manchester city centre.

The first tenants to be secured were The Farm Group, a post-production company that also has sites in London, Los Angeles and Bristol.

As well as 130,000 sq ft of office space, Allied is planning to install a 40-seat cinema and several audio suites.

Allied London declined to comment.