Global healthcare company commits to new HQ on edge of Manchester’s Northern Quarter
Salford bookie Fred Done’s property development business Salboy has secured a tenant in its first new build scheme Glassworks in Back Turner Street in central Manchester.
Salboy, Done’s property development and private equity funder, has agreed terms with the tenant, understood to be Octapharma, currently with an existing Manchester base in Spring Gardens, in a 10-year lease and will occupy 2,000 sq ft on the 14th floor of the Glassworks tower.
Founded in 1983, Octapharma is headquartered in Lachen, Switzerland and operates globally and was searching for new premises for its UK Head Office. It operates across three therapeutic areas: haematology, immunotherapy and critical care.
The new HQ will be part of a 48,000 sq ft commercial scheme features like breakout spaces, bike storage, spacious showering facilities, an outdoor terrace for events, and a modern lobby with barista services. The scheme is also next to Shudehill transport interchange, Victoria Station and the Northern Quarter’s fast expanding tech hub.
Simon Ismail, Managing Director of Salboy, comments: “Our tenant has been based in Manchester for a number of years. The team came to us seeking modern, efficient and well-equipped new premises from which it will continue to benefit hugely not only from Manchester’s vibrant business sector but also the city’s impressive academic and scientific pedigree that’s nurtured by our leading universities.”
Salboy and its dedicated construction partner, Domis, achieved practical completion on Glassworks, their first major commercial scheme, in February 2023.
Glassworks next to the Arndale
Glassworks is a 17-storey tower constructed in the heart of central Manchester. It was designed by Jon Matthews Architects.
The new scheme takes its name not only from its primarily glass structure but from the former glass dealership that existed on the site in the early 1900s.
Ismail said he is now looking for tenants of all shapes and sizes to Glassworks’ which he described as having an “eye-catching aesthetic in one of the most lively, dynamic parts of the city”.
He added: “Whether they are start-ups looking to scale, or larger businesses that want to upgrade the space they occupy, Glassworks is designed to work hard for its tenants, creating flexibility and enjoyable, productive working environments. We’re excited to see the early uptake from tenants and look forward to seeing Glassworks achieve its full potential at full occupancy before long.”
Best known for residential apartments, Salboy has built more than 3,250 units in city locations and now boasts £1bn worth of schemes across 11 sites in the North West, Cornwall and London.
Property agents OBI represented the tenant and Knight Frank represented Salboy.
