Venus Building, Trafford Park – Refurbishment & Cat B Fit-Out of Two Floor Plates
Project Overview Barlows was appointed to deliver the full MEP installation for the refurbishment and Cat B fit-out of two floor plates within the Venus Building, a contemporary eight-storey Grade A office development in TraffordCity, Trafford Park, Manchester.
Located at 1 Old Park Lane, TraffordCity (M41 7HA), the Venus Building forms part of the vibrant Peel Waters-managed estate adjacent to the Trafford Centre. This modern, fully glazed landmark offers premium office accommodation with stunning architecture, landmark sculptures, cool interior spaces, and direct access to unrivalled retail, leisure, dining, and transport links.
The project involved upgrading and fitting out two floor plates to create high-quality, occupier-ready office environments, incorporating modern MEP systems while aligning with the building’s existing infrastructure and sustainability credentials (e.g., ISO 50001 energy management).
Scope of Works
- Comprehensive Cat B fit-out across two floor plates, delivering flexible, contemporary office spaces ready for tenant occupation
- Full MEP installations including:
- Mechanical: Efficient HVAC upgrades, ventilation, comfort cooling/heating, and air distribution tailored to open-plan and partitioned layouts
- Electrical: Power distribution, specialist LED lighting (dimmable and energy-efficient), emergency lighting, data/comms infrastructure, small power, and AV provisions
- Public health: Plumbing upgrades, hot/cold water services, drainage, and sanitaryware coordination
- Integration with shell and core systems, ensuring seamless connectivity and compliance
- Enhanced finishes and systems to support modern working practices, including improved energy efficiency and occupant comfort
Delivery and Collaboration The works were executed within an operational office building, requiring careful phasing to minimise disruption to existing tenants and common areas. Barlows coordinated closely with the client team, building management, and any appointed main contractor to deliver:
- Phased programming for strip-out, installation, and commissioning
- Out-of-hours working where necessary to maintain business continuity
- Strict adherence to health & safety, noise/dust control, and access protocols
- Compliance with current building regulations, fire safety, and accessibility standards
Outcome The refurbished and fitted floor plates provide flexible, high-specification office space within one of TraffordCity’s most desirable buildings, supporting new or expanding occupiers in a prime location with excellent amenities and connectivity. This project reinforces Barlows’ capability in delivering precise Cat B fit-outs and MEP upgrades in live commercial environments, ensuring quality, efficiency, and minimal impact on ongoing operations.
Client: Peel Location: Venus Building, 1 Old Park Lane, TraffordCity, Trafford Park, Manchester, M41 7HA Scope: Refurbishment and full Cat B fit-out of two floor plates with complete MEP installation Completion: Successfully delivered on programme
