Bruntwood Places submits plans to transform Lancastrian, and bring forward a new chapter for workspace in Old Trafford

We are excited to announce we've submitted a planning application for a major £3m redevelopment of c.20,000 sq ft of our Lancastrian building in Old Trafford, creating a high-quality workspace destination with new wellbeing, collaboration and social spaces designed around the needs of modern businesses. 

Cohesive design is at the heart of the new upgrades, creating a unified identity and consistent customer experience across the whole scheme. The proposals bring together the four buildings to create a more connected and cohesive customer experience centred around a new main reception. 

A new feature staircase will connect to the landscaped roof terrace featuring covered seating, an events space and audio-visual equipment designed to support collaboration, networking and customer events. We will also make significant investment in the surrounding landscaping and outdoor seating areas to create more space for socialising and relaxation.

As part of our commitment to design, develop and curate places that bring together work, leisure and regeneration, we will boost the Lancastrian’s wellbeing offer with a c.1,000 sq ft on-site gym and Reformer Pilates machines. These will join upgraded showers, changing facilities and lockers, as well as secure bike storage for 20 bikes. 

If approved, a new main entrance and refurbished entrances across all four buildings, will create a brighter and more welcoming experience on entry.

The main entrance at Lancastrian will be transformed with a new façade, increased glazing to maximise natural light and a higher ceiling height to create a more impressive arrival experience. Together, these upgrades will deliver a brighter, more welcoming environment and significantly enhance first impressions.

A new customer lounge, coworking space for up to 12 people, meeting rooms, phone booths and a range of flexible work settings will provide customers with greater choice and better support different ways of working.

Lancastrian includes a mix of coworking, serviced, leased and managed spaces. New serviced offices will be introduced, available for two to 16 people, with a total of 173 desks. 

Sustainability is a key part of the proposals to create resilience and efficiency. The proposed new entrances will have improved thermal performance with increased insulation, while the entire development will undergo an upgrade of its power supply to facilitate the long-term removal of gas heating and move to all electric buildings. These improvements will help reduce operational carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency and future-proof the scheme in line with evolving environmental standards and occupier expectations.

All new facilities in Lancastrian will be DDA-compliant and additional features such as prayer rooms will also be added to support a more inclusive workspace. 

Location is a core strength of Lancastrian, with the development sitting on the calm, tree-lined Talbot Road. It is ideally positioned to offer the benefits of a connected, out-of-city workspace, combining excellent accessibility with a strong ecosystem that supports business growth, talent retention and thriving local communities. On-site parking is available and the scheme is within a five-minute walk of the Metrolink, providing access into Manchester city centre and the wider Greater Manchester area. It is also part of a growing residential neighbourhood, situated next to Lumina Village, a recently completed development by Bruntwood, Trafford Council and Glenbrook, which features a blend of private and affordable homes set amidst 5.4 acres of public space.

There is also an established business and leisure environment in the area with the Lancashire Cricket Club at Emirates Old Trafford offering opportunities for corporate hospitality, events and client engagement. Proximity to UA92 and Trafford College also provides a strong pipeline of emerging talent and supports occupiers with recruitment and partnerships with local education environments.

Sharon Johnson, Head of Commercial at Bruntwood Places, said: “Businesses today are looking for far more than just workspace – they want environments that support productivity, wellbeing and flexibility, while also helping them attract and retain talent. Increasingly, the conversation is becoming about how workspace can improve everyday working life, from reducing commute times to supporting collaboration and creating places people genuinely want to spend time in.

“The proposed changes to Lancastrian have been designed around those changing expectations, creating a destination that supports different ways of working and gives businesses the flexibility to adapt and grow over time. Its position within an established and growing neighbourhood, alongside developments such as Lumina Village, also creates a stronger live-work dynamic that benefits both our customers and the wider local community.

“This investment reflects our long-term commitment to creating places that genuinely work for modern businesses and the people within them, combining workspace, wellbeing and community in a way that supports sustainable growth for the future.”