Manchester International Office Centre is a striking landmark building comprising 100,000ft² of high-quality office suites. Designed by renowned architects Cruickshank and Seward, this mid-century modernist icon was awarded a RIBA Architectural Bronze Medal in 1955. The recent redesign is both a restoration and a transformation, carefully reimagining the building’s entrance and core circulation routes to create a premium, hotel-inspired workplace environment. The ambition was to deliver a revitalised experience that honours the building’s architectural significance, while addressing the demands of a contemporary workplace. The result is a finely balanced scheme of reinvention and restoration, breathing new life into a celebrated Manchester landmark.

Located in close proximity to Manchester Airport, MIOC has sustained its viability as both an office and conference venue for decades. However, in the wake of the pandemic and the evolving expectations of workplace environments, there was a clear opportunity to enhance the building’s relevance further. Recognising the shift in how people perceive and use workspace, the ground floor was reconfigured to transform a transient entrance vestibule into an active social hub — a dynamic space for co-working, informal meetings, and welcoming guests. This strategic reinvention plays a vital role in attracting and retaining occupiers, providing a flexible environment that encourages collaboration and fosters a sense of community.

An explorative study of archival material and historic publications played a crucial role in informing the design process. Formerly known as the Renold Building, MIOC has a long-standing connection to the engineering industry as the former headquarters of Renold Plc — global pioneers in precision-engineered chain products. This heritage inspired a new identity rooted in the interlocking geometry of cog teeth, a motif that is subtly echoed through wall panelling, glazed manifestations, and metallic finishes across the scheme. The graphic language, materials, and colour palette were carefully curated to align with the architectural style, celebrating the building’s rich industrial legacy while ensuring its continued relevance as a forward-looking workspace.