Property news: Making a Splash with Stubbs Mill & more
REGENERATION company Urban Splash has begun to market its Stubbs Mill development in Manchester.
Property agents Bilfinger and Edwards & Co have been engaged to carry out the process for the new office scheme which will be ready for occupancy from early 2016.
The building is situated in New Islington, where Urban Splash has already created apartments, a park, a marina, workspaces and soon-to-be-launched ‘hoUSe’ family housing scheme.
The developer is expecting a flurry of interest occupiers looking for spaces from 2,500 to 22,500 sq ft, especially those in the creative industries.
Urban Splash commercial manager Paul Jones said: “This is a fantastic building and we are delighted to have appointed Edwards and Co and Bilfinger GVA to work with us to formally market the space we have on offer here.”
David Thwaite of Bilfinger GVA said: “The Manchester market is moving again commercially and it’s great to be involved in this much anticipated Urban Splash new commercial scheme.”
Ed Keany at Edwards & Co: “We anticipate a high demand for space at Stubbs Mill, not only because of the developer but because of its location in New Islington – somewhere fast grabbing the attention of Manchester’s business community.”
Stubbs Mill has been designed by Manchester-based SixTwo Architects, and began on site in March.
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PROTIONAL merchandise specialist AD Merchandise has agreed to let the 14th floor of the 16-storey Westpoint building in Manchester’s Old Trafford district.
The letting for the 1,650sq ft space at the building on Chester Road has been agreed with property consultant Edwards & Co Savills advised the landlord Marcol, which acquired Westpoint in 2010.
This follows a comprehensive refurbishment and letting campaign, which included improvement to four lift cars. The reception area has been upgraded and the cafe, gym, changing room and show facilities have all been upgraded.
Externally the building has a secure landscaped environment and its own designated on-site multi-storey car park.
This deal follows another three successful lettings in the second half of last year with Monscierge, Howards Solicitors and Provident Financial Services Ltd all taking space within the building.
Toby Nield, surveyor at Edwards & Co said: “The quick succession of lettings is testament to the commitment and investment undertaken by Marcol.
“Westpoint provides occupiers with high-quality and cost-effective space in a highly-accessible location. The on-site gym and cafe combined with its excellent parking provision and proximity to Trafford Bar Metrolink station continues to make it a popular choice.”
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THE first companies have moved into the High Growth Centre at the University of Chester’s Thornton Science Park.
The centre is a project co-funded by the university and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to provide free support to SMEs and new start-up businesses operating in the advanced manufacturing, automotive, engineering and environmental sectors.
It organises training and events for individuals and businesses operating in the above sectors as well as providing access to expert knowledge and advice that small businesses might not be able to access independently.
One of the occupying companies is MDecon, which specialises in decontamination and waste management solutions.
Its team of specialists have been involved in nuclear operations, decontamination and decommissioning since the 1980s.
Managing director of MDecon, whose head office is in Conwy, North Wales said: “We are extremely pleased to locate at the High Growth Centre and believe that it will develop as a centre of excellence, as other like-minded businesses recognise the value of quality facilities and enthusiastic collaborative working with academia.
“Thornton Science Park already has an international reputation and as the High Growth Centre’s positive start consolidates, MDecon intends to continue to be part of its future.”
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A NEW aviation museum at the former Woodford Aerodrom site in Cheshire has been completed ahead of its opening in August.
Preston-based Conlon Construction has handed over the new facility to BAE Systems and Avro Heritage Trust following an eight-month project.
Designed by Preston-based architects, Cassidy and Ashton, the Avro Heritage Trust Museum scheme will display the Trust’s extensive collection of aviation records and memorabilia.
Funded by BAE Systems, the seven-figure project provides a showpiece visitor attraction for the North West which will preserve Woodford’s historic links with British aviation history and enable the public to access the Trust’s collection of aviation artefacts, including a full-size Vulcan bomber.
The new museum is housed in a former aerodrome fire station which has been re-invented as a simple, contemporary structure with directional dark cladding.
Internally, an exhibition hall and new mezzanine gallery has been created with the flexibility to adapt and change the display areas into the museum.
The construction project also included creation of a first floor café which will offer visitors views of the Vulcan, along with archive, reading and classroom facilities for private study and school visits.
Tim Wallis, project manager from BAE Systems, said: “As a leading company in the UK’s aviation sector, we have been passionate this project which will protect our aviation heritage, continue the links between Woodford and the aviation sector and inspire future generations.
“We are delighted with the results and the collaborative approach of Cassidy and Ashton and Conlon Construction, which has helped the project to be delivered so smoothly. We look forward to seeing the first visitors marvel at the exhibits when the museum opens to the public in August.”
Chris Taylor, director at Cassidy and Ashton, added: “The challenge for this project involved working with an existing structure whilst transforming the space into a contemporary visitor attraction that will showcase a huge variety of aviation exhibits, including a full sized plane. We look forward to returning when all the exhibits are in-situ”.
Michael Conlon, chairman at Conlon Construction, concluded: “This scheme builds on our track record of refurbishment projects and leisure sector schemes and we are very proud to have made such a contribution to protecting the region’s aviation heritage.”
