en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Rylands development project in Manchester, UK, has reached a significant milestone. Located on Market Street at the site of the former Debenhams department store, this Grade II listed building has been undergoing extensive renovation since 2022 and is expected to be completed in 2027.
The project team held a topping-out celebration at the site, with participants including Domis Construction (Domis), Jeffrey Bell, Levrant, JLL, and Barker Proudlove, followed by a reception at The Edwardian Manchester Hotel.
This Grade II listed building is undergoing a comprehensive reconstruction. Since 2023, AM ALPHA (AM Alpha) has been transforming the site, including a full renovation of the original structure, converting the upper floors into premium office space, and creating retail units on the ground floor. The scheme also includes a four-story contemporary extension, bringing the total number of floors to ten.
Upon completion, Rylands will offer premium office space, retail space, and a leisure area primarily focused on dining. The Market Place Food Hall has committed to leasing the ground floor for a 15-year term.
Martin Lemke, CEO of AM ALPHA, stated that reaching this construction milestone is a significant achievement for everyone involved in the Rylands transformation; working with a listed building of this scale brings complexities and unexpected challenges, and the progress made demonstrates what can be achieved through close collaboration, technical expertise, and a shared commitment to the project. He added that Rylands is an important part of Manchester's architectural and commercial heritage, and the goal is to create a modern, sustainable destination that meets the needs of future tenants and visitors while preserving its character, thanking Domis and the entire project team for their dedication and significant progress.
Rory O'Donoghue, Construction Director at Domis Construction, added that the topping-out of Rylands is a key milestone, reflecting the immense effort, collaboration, and shared commitment of all project participants; he and AM ALPHA have shared a common goal since the project's inception—to return this iconic building to the city—and Domis is honored to help realize that vision. He emphasized that the transformation of a landmark building of this scale and significance could only be achieved through the close cooperation of the entire project team.
Following the tradition of the topping-out ceremony, a yew tree was incorporated into the building structure, marking the completion of the highest structural point.
The project team includes client AM ALPHA, contractor Domis, architect Jeffrey Bell Architects, employer's agent and quantity surveyor Arcadis, planning consultant Deloitte, heritage consultant Levrant, structural engineer Woolgar Hunter, services engineer/sustainability consultant Max Fordham, services engineer NOVO, fire consultant Jensen Hughes/DFC, acoustic consultant BWB/Andrew Jameson, office space agent JLL, retail agent Barker Proudlove, and marketing and PR agency Real Estate Marketing Media.
