York Handmade Brick pivotal role in Manchester Circle Square

As The Press reprted in December, 4D Capital Partners LLP (“4D”) announced the acquisition of York Handmade Brick Company, which is based at Alne, near Easingwold, the multiple award-winning manufacturer of bespoke and premium handmade bricks.

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As The Press previously reported, the firm won the Sustainability category in the prestigious 2025 Brick Awards for its brickwork at York Racecourse.

York Handmade’s winning entry featured work at the new Bustardthorpe Stand and Roberto Pavilion at York Racecourse.

Now 3 Circle Square, in the heart of Manchester’s innovation district, has been named the best new building in the annual Manchester Chamber of Commerce awards.

York Handmade supplied 385,000 specially manufactured bricks for 3 Circle Square in one of the most significant contracts in its 37-year history.

The contract was worth £580,000 and was a resounding endorsement of York Handmade’s decision to invest £1.5m in brand-new machinery.

3 Circle Square, which was master-minded by leading Manchester-based developer Bruntwood, is a stand-alone brick-built building, close to Oxford Road.

Designed by Bridge Architects of Manchester, it offers flexible office space and bespoke programmes of business support, helping creative, digital and technology businesses to form, scale and grow. It was completed last year.

Russell Bridge of Bridge Architects said: “The brick choice for 3 Circle Square was critical to the facade design’s success, which incorporated both standard and long format bricks.

“York Handmade’s Thirkleby Blend was selected to achieve the desired detailing. The regular brick faces facilitated a consistent appearance in relation to deep opening reveals, mortar jointing, soldier course and arch detailing, and the formation of perforated brick ventilation panels.

“Aesthetically the red multi-toned brick complements the wider site context, while the distressed water struck texture adds character and visual interest when viewed up close.”

Guy Armitage, the managing director of York Handmade, said: “We are absolutely delighted that 3 Circle Square has won such a prestigious award. It is a magnificent building and are so proud to have played a part in its success.

“This was a massive project for us, especially in the context of these challenging economic times. It has been a tremendous boost for our factory and a great honour to contribute to a pioneering and innovative development which has redefined Manchester’s cityscape for the 21st century.

“Significantly, the non-standard bricks we supplied are for 3 Circle Square are Water Struck Thirkleby Blend, part of our Viking range and a stunning example of what we are able to manufacture with our new plant, commissioned in 2023.”