Nestled in a residential suburb of north Manchester, lies a very special place. Hexagon Tower.
Ziggy Stardust songs are spinning on the record player, bell-bottoms are all the rage and power cuts were common – it can only mean one thing – the 70’s are in full swing. It’s the year 1973 and a new iconic building has just been built in Blackley, Manchester.
The vision from architect Richard Seifert; An 11-storey brutalist tower dominating the skyline with its modern hexagon-shaped windows. Built on the ICI dyeworks site, the hexagonal windows are a clever nod to the shape of the chemical compound Benzene, which is widely used in the creation of synthetic dyes.
New space for growing life science industry
Fast forward 50 years, through five decades of innovation to 2023 – the year we celebrate 50 years of this iconic building and the people who work here today.
Pioneer Group became the proud owners of Hexagon Tower in 2016, and currently has 11 life science companies occupying the building, including major brands – Intertek, Arxada and SmartKem. The site has quickly become one of Manchester’s premier incubators for growing life science businesses, recognised for its sense of community and collaboration opportunities.
2023 sees the completion of our £10 million refurbishment of the site, and the creation of 15,000 sq ft of high-quality lab spaces. Much-needed space for the fast-growing science industry in Manchester and the North of England. Another reason to celebrate!
A cause for celebration
On the morning of 21st September 2023 there was a spring in everyone’s step and lots of lovely smiles on the faces of those coming into work. Staff were greeted by a huge colourful balloon arch over the reception desk, reminding them that today is the party – and lunch is on Pioneer Group!
At 11:30am The Hive restaurant really did become a hive of activity, as guests gathered with a champagne arrival and old friends reunited, with the Hexagon community coming together for this happy event. Pioneer Group colleagues arrived from all corners of the country to share the occasion.
We were delighted to have honoured guests who formerly worked at Hexagon Tower. Some of them now well into their 70’s and 80’s, it was a joy to have them with us.
Our Executive Director Toby Reid delivered an inspiring speech, outlining Pioneer’s purpose and role in the future of the life sciences, tackling the challenges that face all of us.
“At Pioneer Group we believe in the power of innovation and collaboration to tackle the challenges of human and planetary health. Our role is to provide the places for this to happen, maximising the impact of our companies whilst minimising our collective footprint. I hope you see this as a place where this can happen. Therefore not only for a proud past but an exciting future“
Toby introduced one of the most special moments of the event – the premier showing of the short film.
Capturing 50 years of memories on film
When we met with some Hexagon Tower retirees back in the summer, it was clear that celebrating this architecturally iconic building is not really about the building at all, it’s the community within who have deep-rooted connections here. We knew we had to capture some of their memories and create a short film to commemorate this golden jubilee.
One particular gentleman we were delighted to meet was David Cartridge. In his days working at Hexagon Tower, he was challenged to run up the 12 flights of stairs to the top of the tower. Being a fell runner, he ran at the opportunity! With bets being placed anywhere between 1 to 10 minutes, how fast do you think he did it? Watch the short film below to find out.
Grab yourself a brew, and enjoy this heartwarming 7-minute journey through Hexagon Tower history.
When we premiered the film with the room full of staff past and present, including those featured in the film, the nostalgia was enough to raise audible delight in the room, and we collectively shared the emotions of those sharing their stories in the video. How wonderful to have them there with us for the premiere showing.
Then it was time to cut the hunk of a cake – ceremoniously cut by longest-standing site team member Ian Mather, and the newest to join the team, Rachel Davies. Site Manager Simon Stuart announced the grand opening of the brand-new lounge area beside the restaurant. What a great cosy and homely space to spend a lunch break and catch up with colleagues. We have insider knowledge that guest experience host Rachel is planning a table football and pool league, so tenants – get practising!
We then all enjoyed a paella and pizza lunch in the sunshine and tours of the newly renovated lab spaces, followed of course by lashings of cake. What a wonderful time was had by all.
And finally, we can’t end without saying those lovely words from the end of the film –
With thanks to the residents of Hexagon Tower, past and present. Without you, Hexagon Tower is just a building. You have made it a community. Your legacy fuels tomorrow’s innovations.
Special thanks:
Tom Dennis at My Town Vision for producing the short film, and to all who contributed.
Brian Longbottom, former ICI employee, who kindly spread the word with his network of former colleagues to invite them along, it was absolutely fantastic to have you all with us to celebrate and share your memories. It’s wonderful to know you still meet up for a yearly reunion in the area.
