Co-op submits commercial property plans

New plans for the creation of a major new commercial property development in Manchester have been submitted to the city's council.

The Co-operative Group is behind the plans for its new headquarters, which will be created on land it owns on Miller Street in the city.

Designed by architecture firm 3D Reid, the proposals suggest the creation of a large central atrium, as well as 325,000 square feet of open plan office space spread of over 15 storeys.

It is hoped that work on the site will begin next year, while the building has been slated for a 2012 completion.

Peter Marks, the chief executive of the group, said the headquarters will highlight "the ethical values" of the firm.

Rival supermarket retailer Asda recently unveiled a new eco-friendly commercial property development that it is to use as a depot.

The site includes movement-detecting lighting systems, thermal roof lights, an underground drainage system and energy cladding panels.