Princess Street
Manchester
CubicWorks delivered the comprehensive refurbishment of Forty Princess Street – transforming two Grade II listed Manchester buildings (Eastern House and Langley Buildings) for Wittington Investments. This complex heritage project converted 90,000 sq ft of vacant former nightclub and restaurant space into 75,000 sq ft of premium modern workspace, with an additional 16,500 sq ft basement gym across two levels. The challenge required sensitive restoration of listed buildings within the Whitworth Street and Princess Street conservation area while creating contemporary office solutions.
Location
Manchester
Client
Wittington
Size
181,500
Duration
16 months
Listed Building Restoration:
Grade II listed building refurbishment across Eastern House and Langley Buildings (40-46 Princess Street)
Conservation area compliance within Whitworth Street and Princess Street heritage zone
Heritage-sensitive M&E integration preserving original architectural features
Structural modifications while maintaining listed building integrity
Premium office suites ranging from 600 sq ft to 5,300 sq ft across 10 levels
Modern Workspace Creation:
75,000 sq ft of contemporary office space from previously vacant buildings
Substantial business lounge reception as the building’s professional hub
Excellent end-of-journey amenities encouraging sustainable commuting
Flexible workspace solutions offering both conventional and fully fitted options
16,500 sq ft basement gym across two levels providing premium wellness spaces
Bringing Vacant Heritage Back to Life
Forty Princess Street presented a unique challenge – two magnificent Grade II listed buildings that had been vacant after housing nightclubs, restaurants, and small office suites. Most contractors avoid the complexity of listed building restoration. We saw the opportunity to create something exceptional.
Our team navigated challenges others couldn’t:
Listed building constraints – engineering modern workspace within heritage restrictions
Conservation area compliance – ensuring all modifications respected the building’s historic context
Complex building services – threading contemporary M&E through Victorian architecture
Mixed-use conversion – transforming entertainment venues into premium office space
The CubicWorks Difference
Heritage Expertise: Our experience with listed buildings meant we understood how to work respectfully within conservation constraints while delivering the modern functionality today’s businesses demand.
Problem-Solving Excellence: When faced with the challenge of converting basement nightclub spaces into premium gym facilities, our team engineered innovative solutions that maximized the potential of these unique underground areas.
Quality That Attracts: The building’s first major tenant, architectural firm PRP Group, chose Forty Princess Street specifically for its “fully restored heritage asset with good sustainability credentials” – proof that sensitive restoration creates spaces businesses want to occupy.
Forty Princess Street now stands as a testament to what’s possible when heritage meets innovation. Located in Manchester’s vibrant village quarter, the building occupies a prominent position near Manchester Art Gallery, Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, and The Palace Theatre.
The transformation has created over 50,000 sq ft of available workspace with suites ranging from 610 sq ft to 5,300 sq ft, attracting businesses who value the combination of historic character and modern amenities.
Most importantly? Our sensitive approach to heritage restoration has given new life to buildings that were previously vacant, proving that the most challenging conversions often create the most distinctive workspace destinations.
When heritage buildings sit vacant, most see problems. We see potential. Forty Princess Street demonstrates that 40+ years of conservation expertise can transform even the most challenging listed buildings into thriving modern workspaces that honor the past while serving the future.
CubicWorks