Office space proposed above theatre

Plans for the redevelopment of Manchester's Theatre Royal include the construction of a 28-storey commercial tower above the venue, it has been reported.

According to Skyscraper News, the proposals would see the external Victorian design of the existing theatre retained while a tower offering 21,000 square metres of office space would "stand above it".

The theatre, which is situated in the city centre near Deansgate Railway Station, would also be modernised internally to provide seats for an audience of 650.

Car parking facilities, office and retail outlets would be built at basement level.

Although there is no date for proposals for the theatre's redevelopment, "it's an interesting example of how the site can be adapted to suit modern commercial needs", the news provider claims.

In related news, a recent report by real estate services company Colliers CRE found that the need for office space in Manchester increased by a fifth in 2007 compared to 2006.

Martin Slowe Property Services are Commercial Property Consultants offering a full range of Commercial Property Services.