20 firms tune-in to ex-Granada site

UP to 65,000 sq ft of work space has been let to 20 different companies at the former ITV and Granada Studios since May last year.

According to OBI Property and Allied London, the businesses have moved into three buildings on the estate – HQ Building, Hello House and 88-100 Quay Street.

All the companies have moved into the space on flexible leases, the largest deals being with Horwich Cohen Coghlan Solicitors and Shoosmiths Solicitors who have taken 16,500 sq ft each in HQ Building, and Claims Advisory has taken 15,980 sq ft in 88-100 Quay Street.

Hello House is a dedicated media industry space and is currently undergoing further refurbishment to a 1960s themed cinema room, top floor bar overlooking Coronation Street and Manchester, and a home retreat break out area.
 
The aim is to encourage businesses to interact and work together.  It is currently home to creative businesses such as Echo PR, Journey9 and Uber Taxis.

HQ Building has already undergone a refurbishment to include a coffee shop (Caffeine & Co) on the ground floor.
 
Hello Hub has now opened in HQ Building which will provide workspace to media start-ups through to established businesses and broadcasters.

The new tenant announcements come on the back of the visit by the Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor George Osborne to the site where they addressed more than 200 North West business people, and the Prime Minister hailed the £1bn St John’s project as a perfect example of how public and private bodies can work together.

Allied London chief executive Michael Ingall said: “By offering the next generation of workspace where we provide infrastructure for start-ups and SMEs right through to major corporations, we have attracted a whole range of occupiers and it is clear there is a lot of demand for our approach.

“As we redevelop the area into St John’s, we hope to bring these, and many more businesses along with us. We will provide space, such as Hello House which will allow businesses to grow unrestricted by traditional property models.”

OBI Property is the sole leasing agent on behalf of Allied London.
Emma Powell at OBI said: “The popularity of the space at ITV and Granada not only shows the vitality and demand for flexible work space and leases, but is a very positive sign for the future of the redevelopment of the area.

“There is still space available, starting from 160 sq ft at sizes to suit any growing business.”

Other new occupiers include: Matt Fear, Tampopo, Manchester Confidential, Fluid Bars, Green Remediation, City Spa, Back2Work, Equita, Spotless Cleaners, Artzu (art gallery), Robert Graham, Allied London and TiE.

OBI Property was set up in 2010 and is a commercial real estate firm which aims to provide innovative solutions to its landlord and occupier clients.

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