Property round-up: MediaCity Footbridge wins award; new tenants for Clayton Square and Lowry Outlet Mall; and more
THE new MediaCity Footbridge linking the Trafford and Salford banks of the Manchester Ship Canal has won a prize at the Institution of Structural Engineers’ annual awards.
The cable swing bridge, which provides pedestrian access over the Manchester Ship Canal, won the 2011 Pedeistrian Bridges Award for its innovative design – in particular the way in which it handles the geometrical constraints of its location.
Judges said the bridge also addresses anticipated future development at Trafford Wharf to the south and in conjunction with the existing Lowry Bridge enhances pedestrian links for the area as a whole.
The Institution’s president, Professor Roger Plank, described it as “a graceful and well-engineered bridge that displays structural flair in the concept and the details; a delightful testament to the art of structural engineering”
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Utility Oils has taken a 21,287 sq ft industrial unit at Wigan’s South Lancashire Industrial Estate.
The company has agreed a five year lease on the unit on Redgate Road at £4.50 per sq ft with landlord Armstrong Properties.
Elsewhere in Wigan, Armstrong Properties is due to start on the speculative construction of a 22,500 sq ft, zero energy cost business park – the first of its kind in the region, which is part-funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Dave Armstrong, director of Armstrong Properties, said: “We focus on reducing running costs for tenants and we are very much looking forward to showing the speculative market our new scheme which will deliver quality business units with no energy running costs without charging tenants a premium.”
The firm was advised on the letting by Knight Frank. Surveyor David Nuttall said: “We look forward to working with Armstrong Properties in the future at their exciting new scheme, which is scheduled to be launched before the end of 2011.”
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RETAILER Discount UK has taken a 10 year lease on a 10,000 sq ft unit at Land Securities’ Clayton Square scheme on Great Charlotte Street in Liverpool city centre.
Discount UK is owned by Poundworld and sells products ranging from 28p to £25. It is the first Discount UK store in Liverpool.
James Larmuth, Land Securities’ portfolio manager, said: “The tough economic climate has led to huge consumer demand for value. We have worked hard to ensure that our retailers represent the needs of our customers and we strongly believe that Discount UK brings affordability and choice to Clayton Square shoppers.”
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FOOTWEAR brand MBT has taken a 935 sq ft unit at Lowry Outlet Mall. The firm will occupy a ground floor unit next to Dickies where it will employ four members of staff.
Bettina Frohn, head of marketing at MBT, said: “We are delighted to be opening this new store in The Lowry Outlet Mall, providing residents in the North West with the opportunity to experience a dedicated MBT environment. We are excited and confident that this new outlet will be a great platform to continue our expanding retail development.”
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FAMILY-owned ClearLaw Solicitors has taken a three-year lease on a 5,163 sq ft office building at Atherton House in Old Trafford.
The company has taken a suite at the building following a £500,000 refurbishment of the top two floors at the five-storey building by landlord Wilton Developments. It will employ 40 staff at Atherton House.
Wilton Development’s refurb has involved the fitting of new carpet tiles, central heating, suspended ceilings, window blinds, a passenger lift, disabled access and concierge service. The firm said that only one 3,500 sq ft suite remains available at the building, which is close to Lancashire County Cricket Club’s Old Trafford ground.
James Scott, development manager at Wilton Developments, said: “The uptake of floorspace at Atherton House has made for a resounding success. Only one suite remains so I would urge companies looking to move into modern accommodation in an area which is attracting significant investment to move fast.”
Paul Smith, lettings agent at Jones Lang La Salle, said: “ClearLaw is an excellent addition to Atherton House and this is the largest deal we’ve done in terms of floor space in Old Trafford this year.
“Wilton has a high quality business space here and I think what’s also attracted interest is how convenient the location is on the fringes of Manchester’s inner core.”
Jones Lang LaSalle and Canning O’Neill are joint agents for Atherton House.
