Work begins on £10m Exchange Quay upgrade

SALFORD City Council has approved a £10m investment scheme submitted by Hunter Real Estate Investment Managers for the 433,637 sq ft Exchange Quay complex in Salford Quays.

Hunter submitted a planning application in April to modernise Exchange Quay, which was purchased by its North American institutional client at the end of last year.

Contractor ISG is now on-site undertaking the first phase of Hunter’s plans for Exchange Quay which involves the upgrading of the six office buildings to Grade A specification including new building entrances, reception and common areas, facilities and lifts.

The upgrade includes remodelling of the whole public realm and the creation of a new working environment enhanced by facilities including a restaurant, gym, convenience store with Post Office, a management suite and a completely redeveloped amenity ‘hub’.

Iain Leheny, fund manager at Hunter, said: “We are excited about being able to demonstrate to the market the high quality of accommodation and brand new environment we are creating and we are looking forward to showcasing the offices.”

Justin Myall, director of AA Projects and project manager for Exchange Quay, commented; “The entire  project team has been working hard to master-plan and create a timeline for the works to ensure that these progress smoothly with maximum consideration to the existing occupiers at Exchange Quay.

“The work that has now commenced on the offices is just the beginning of this significant redevelopment programme and by the end of the summer, we will be gearing up to create the lifestyle elements that will bring the whole vision together.”

Exchange Quay comprises six office buildings ranging from 26,151 sq ft to 116,684 sq ft. The development is home to Winning Pitch, Kin-Tec Electronics, Sage UK and Aegon UK, which has recently agreed a 10-year extension to its lease.