London chophouse signs up for newly-redeveloped Freetrade Building

Manchester’s Freetrade Building, the former Free Trade Hall, has exchanged contracts on its first letting following its recent redevelopment.

Clearbell UK Strategic Trust (CST or Clearbell), a Trust advised by Clearbell Capital, has welcomed Blacklock, a London-based chophouse, which will open its first branch outside of the capital having agreed a lease for the lower ground floor of Freetrade.

Inspired by the traditional London Chophouse, which was established in the 17th century, Blacklock serves British produce with a focus on affordability and quality.

Centrally located close to the Town Hall and St Peter’s Square, the 36,000 sq ft Freetrade has undergone a significant period of refurbishment that has not only modernised the building, but also focused on increasing its sustainability credentials in keeping with Clearbell’s commitment to delivering high environmental and social value.

The Grade II-listed building underwent extensive retrofitting to achieve an EPC A rating, with the five floors of contemporary workspace now heated by air source heat pumps, renewable energy sources and benefiting from rooftop solar panels.

The reception area is also home to a living wall, enhancing air quality and customer wellbeing.

Office tenants will also have access to a wealth of amenities focused on encouraging wellbeing, including a roof terrace, gym, yoga studio, sauna and bike storage.

Blacklock, which has B Corp status and is a Best Companies Top 100 Employer is due to open its doors in September 2024.

Alex Alban-Moore, Associate Director at Clearbell Capital, said: “Blacklock is an ideal first occupier at Freetrade settling in amongst some of Manchester’s most popular hotels, bars and eateries. We have no doubt that it will be able to replicate the huge success it has seen in London in its first venture outside of the capital, and we are really pleased that they have chosen Freetrade to do so.”

He added: “Our redevelopment of Freetrade has been an incredibly rewarding project, injecting new life into a heritage building, maintaining its Victorian features while also bringing it into the 21st century by incorporating best-in-class wellbeing and sustainability credentials.

“Given Blacklock’s own impressive ESG values, they are a fitting partner for us as we give Freetrade a new, greener future.”