Contractor sought for One St Peter’s Square

A CONTRACTOR is being sought by the Greater Manchester Property Venture Fund (GMPVF) and its joint venture development partner, Argent, to build One St Peter’s Square.

The development, which is in the heart of Manchester, has received detailed planning permission has the backing of two pension funds meaning that it does not need bank finance.

Designed by Glenn Howells Architects, the 270,000 sq ft BREEAM Excellent building will incorporate office floorplates of up to 22,500 sq ft, as well as flexible cooling strategies for occupiers.

The scheme will include an active mix of uses at ground floor level, with cultural space for public exhibitions, as well as a stunning, double height reception, offering panoramic views across the proposed redeveloped St Peter’s Square, refurbished Central Library and Town Hall extension.

Argent intends to complete the development by early 2014 and is now in the process of appointing a contractor. 

James Nicholson, development manager at Argent, said: “The joint venture partners are actively commissioning for the design and build contract for the One St Peter’s Square development.

“A great deal of activity has been taking place in the background recently, leading up to the submission of the notice, and we are very excited to be on our way to appointing a contractor for the scheme.

“Of course, the process takes time but the wheels are most definitively in motion.”

Chris Cheap, director at GVA Grimley and leasing consultant to the joint venture partnership, said: “This is an important step in the development of One St Peter’s Square.

“This Grade A building will provide occupiers with state of the art facilities and a highly sustainable environment in which to work.

“Located in one of the most sought after positions in Manchester City Centre, One St Peter’s Square is a unique offering for businesses looking to relocate in the next two to three years.

“Despite the downturn, businesses are still looking to relocate within the city and we are encouraged by the level of interest that we have received to date.”