The Vision
Four New Bailey represents the final phase of BT Group’s transformative ‘Better Workplace’ initiative, which aims to consolidate office spaces across the UK into fewer, more sustainable and more efficient locations. Located on the banks of the River Irwell in Manchester, the 200,000 sq ft facility serves as a state-of-the-art office hub, accommodating up to 2,000 BT employees. Designed to foster collaboration and flexibility, the building offers a modern, tech-forward workspace that is focused on employee wellness, innovation and sustainability.
Our Contribution
Hilson Moran was appointed as part of the technical due diligence team at the start of the project, providing essential advice during the lease negotiations. Our involvement expanded as we took on the responsibility for delivering the Cat B fit-out design, transforming the space into a functional, flexible office environment tailored to BT’s requirements.
Our role included the full design of the MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) systems, ensuring the integration of advanced technologies to meet the needs of a modern office. We provided a comprehensive solution that included HVAC, small power, lighting, fire alarm systems, low-voltage distribution, and CO2 demand-controlled ventilation. Our MEP services were designed with both aesthetics and flexibility in mind, featuring exposed services that allowed for future flexibility in tenant configurations. Working closely with the project team, we ensured seamless coordination with the architect TP Bennett, the contractor ISG/Ivegate, and other specialists to bring the vision to life.
Design for People
The design of Four New Bailey was driven by the goal of creating a modern and efficient workspace that caters to the diverse needs of BT’s employees. The office includes a variety of flexible workspaces, from collaborative zones to quiet areas, each designed to enhance productivity, creativity, and wellbeing.
Key features of the building include a wellness suite, which promotes a healthy work-life balance, and a rooftop terrace that offers panoramic views of the Manchester skyline. These spaces provide employees with areas for relaxation and socialization, encouraging a positive workplace culture.
Our design also integrates innovative technology, such as intelligent AV controllers in meeting rooms that automatically turn off equipment when unoccupied, further contributing to sustainability efforts. Acoustic considerations were central to the design, with treatments across ceilings, walls and baffles to reduce cross-talk and improve sound quality, ensuring an optimal working environment for everyone. In addition, suspended continuous LED linear luminaires, including RGBW colour-changing LEDs in the event space, were installed to create adaptable, energy-efficient lighting that enhances the overall experience for employees and visitors.
Design for Planet
Sustainability was a core consideration throughout the design of Four New Bailey, aligning with BT Group’s commitment to environmental responsibility. The building is designed to achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification, reflecting its high environmental performance across energy efficiency, water use, waste management and material sourcing.
Energy efficiency is a key feature, with the integration of high-efficiency VRF heating and cooling systems and CO2 demand-controlled ventilation to optimise comfort and reduce energy consumption. The building also includes a smart Building Management System (BMS), which integrates all systems and allows for real-time monitoring and control of energy use throughout the space.
In addition to energy-efficient lighting systems, Four New Bailey features bespoke solutions for kitchen extract systems with fire-rated ventilation, ensuring both functionality and safety. The design of the main and satellite equipment rooms also included tailored solutions for critical infrastructure, ensuring the required temperature and performance levels are met.
Our contribution to the sustainability of the building extends to the overall approach, where every design choice supports both the functionality of the space and its long-term environmental impact – enhancing BT’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and providing a long-lasting, energy-efficient workplace.
