Three new lettings confirmed at redeveloped Freetrade Building

Clearbell UK Strategic Trust (CST) has confirmed three new lettings at the recently redeveloped Freetrade Building in Manchester city centre.

The trust, advised by Clearbell Capital, concluded deals with Zurich, Aptia and Nine Chambers – Chambers of Christopher Kennedy KC – for the site.

Globally renowned insurance firm, Zurich, will be taking on 4,390 sq ft on Freetrade’s fourth floor. Having relocated from nearby Norfolk House earlier this year, the firm has taken the space on a 10-year lease term.  

Freetrade Building gym

Aptia opened its new UK HQ at Freetrade earlier this year, having launched in the UK following a management buyout of Mercer’s UK pensions administration business.

The company will be taking on 5,428 sq ft of space over a five-year lease on Freetrade’s second floor.

Nine Chambers, a barrister’s chambers specialising in commercial, crime, and common law litigation, will be relocating to a new contemporary office space after 30 years in its previous offices in St John Street.

The chambers will be leasing 9,178 sq ft of premium workspace split between the ground and first floors, on a 10-year lease. It is set to undertake an extensive office fit-out, creating meeting rooms, collaborative breakout spaces and a modern kitchen.

This announcement follows the recent opening of Blacklock, the London-based chophouse, at its first branch outside 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 says it serves the best 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 Victorian building 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.

Freetrade Building

The Grade II-listed building underwent extensive retrofitting to achieve an EPC A rating, with the five floors of upgraded 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.

Alice Murray, head of asset management & sustainability at Clearbell Capital, said: “Our restoration of Freetrade has been an ambitious undertaking, transforming what is an iconic building, steeped in history, into a contemporary creative workspace.

“We’re thrilled to have had the opportunity to give this wonderful building a new lease of life, combining its statement architectural features with 21st century amenity, wellbeing-focused workspace and strong sustainability credentials.”

She added: “With high demand for quality creative workspace in Manchester, and an ambition to encourage more global investment into the city centre, Freetrade was identified as a prime location for redevelopment in June 2023.

“Testament to the work Clearbell has done to develop it into best in class workspace is the arrival of Aptia, Zurich and Chambers of Christopher Kennedy – fitting partners to be joining Freetrade and which match our ambition and vision for the scheme.”

Christopher Kennedy KC at Nine Chambers, said: “After three decades in our previous home, we are excited to be moving into a building that perfectly balances Manchester’s rich heritage with the most advanced facilities available to any legal business in the North West.

“This move represents our commitment to providing the highest quality service to our clients while embracing the future of legal practice.”

Clearbell was represented by CBRE and JLL, with OBI representing Nine Chambers and JLL representing Zurich.