National college firm set to move HQ

A college firm has announced it is to move its headquarters in Sheffield, taking a floor at the new Acero building.

The National Open College Network (NOCN) has been announced as the newest tenant and will move 80 people into its new headquarters on the third floor of the building.

Acquired in May by real estate advisor APAM for £26.6m on behalf of its client, Britannia Invest A/S, Acero is situated in Sheffield Digital Campus (DC) on Concourse Way. NOCN is moving from its current premises off the Parkway.

Totalling over 80,000 sq ft across six floors, the Acero was developed by Scarborough Group and completed in July last year.

Simon Renny, financial director at NOCN, said: “We are looking forward to moving our staff into this landmark building. The space is superb and offers our business the chance to grow alongside some high-quality neighbours.”

Acero is currently multi-let to three tenants: co-working provider Spaces, management consultancy firm Atkins and software firm Simcyp, who combined have taken over 47,000 sq ft since completion last year.

APAM has also committed to further significant investment at Acero and has appointed local fit-out contractor, OVO, to create a high-quality reception and ancillary space in the building. Work is due to start in July.

Building on the significant occupier interest seen at Acero in recent months, including start-ups and inward investors, Sheffield DC has been one of the city region’s most successful development schemes.

Peter Owen, asset manager at APAM, said: “Acero was one of the largest speculative office developments to complete during 2017 in the north of England. When we took the decision to purchase the building, it was already 60% let, testament to the quality of the space and its excellent location. I look forward to welcoming a wide range of businesses to Acero, building on the success already seen at this development.”

Colloco, CPP and Knight Frank have been appointed to let the remaining space in the building.

Tim Bottrill, founder and owner, Colloco, said: “Acero has attracted four high-quality tenants since it completed in 2017. This is testament to the quality of the building and the development team.

“APAM has secured an investment at the right time and we, alongside CPP and Knight Frank, are confident that we will reach 100% occupancy by the end of the year.”