Property round-up: Highcross Invests in Runcorn; Wagamama heads for Cheshire Oaks; and more

FUND manager Highcross has appointed TSG Property Consultants as joint agents with the Eileen Bilton Partnership at the 90,000 sq ft Halton 5 Office Centre complex in central Runcorn.

Halton 5 is currently undergoing a major refurbishment and rebranding programme, including the creation of a new reception area and high-specification office suites.

The complex is next to Halton Lea Shopping Centre and offers unlimited free car parking. The complex can house up to 800 people.

Alex Hyams, senior asset manager at Highcross’ Manchester office, said that further wide-ranging refurbishment of the building’s internal and external facilities is planned over the next 12 months.

“We are confident that our substantial investment in the newly re-branded Halton 5 Office Centre will benefit local businesses by offering a variety of spaces in which to operate and grow.

“The refurbishment has widened the building’s appeal and we anticipate that this investment, together with the new branding and appointment of a strong new agency team, will lead to significant interest from potential occupiers.”

Andrew Gardiner of TSG said: “It is refreshing in this market, to see a landlord invest in enhancing office facilities. With a good value finished product, a wide range of suite sizes, and excellent adjoining amenities, Halton 5 Office Centre will provide accommodation for a wide range of businesses.”

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GROSVENOR has completed lettings for the last of the commercial space at One Park West – the apartment-led scheme at its Liverpool One development.

A locally-operated convenience store trading as Newsbite has taken the last available commercial unit. This follows on from lettings to local radio station Juice FM and a private medical centre operated as part of Capita Symonds.

The 17-storey waterfront development designed by César Pelli comprises of high quality apartments, offices, parking, restaurants and retail units.

Guy Butler, projects director at Grosvenor, said: “We are delighted to welcome Newsbite, Juice FM and Capita Symonds to One Park West. Our fully-let commercial portfolio shows just how much of a desirable and thriving location One Park West is.”

Grosvenor was advised on the lettings by law firm Brabners Chaffe Street.

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TOWN Centre Securities (TCS) has let a city centre building formerly used as the Rochdale Canal Society headquarters to
fashion agencies Q One Agency and Society Agencies.

The pair have each taken a floor of the 1,350 sq ft self0contained building at Dale St in Piccadilly Basin.

Both agencies specialise in contemporary womenswear and represent a range of independent fashion labels from the UK and abroad including Numph, Finders Keepers, Second Female,  Jovonna, Kelly Ewing and Mina.

The grade II-listed building, dating back to 1808, still has a number of original features including mosaic, stone flagged and wooden floors, original staircase and feature fireplaces.

The building is next to Carver’s Warehouse, which TCS completed in 2008 after two years of careful restoration. The 22,000 sq ft building is now home to a variety of companies including Marketing Manchester, Stockley Broster O’Malley, Four23, Harris Partnership, BWB Consulting and G-Star.

Town Centre Securities asset manager Suzanne Gallagher said: ”We’re really pleased to be able to provide this unique office accommodation to two talented entrepreneurs who are expanding their businesses. 

“The 75 Dale Street office unit offers smaller companies such as Q One and Fashion Society the opportunity to be based just minutes from both Piccadilly Station and the Northern Quarter.”

Michele Quiligotti, director of society agencies, said: “It’s important for us to be right at the heart of the fashion quarter so the location is perfect.  It’s great to be in this quirky building that has so much character and it helps us really stand-out from the crowd when our customers visit to view the collections.”

Denise Booth, director of Q One Agency, said: “It’s great to have the two agencies underneath one roof in such a central and convenient location for all our customers.”

Cushman and Wakefield is agent for Carver’s Warehouse.

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PAN-ASIAN restaurant chain Wagamama is top open a unit at McArthurGlen’s Cheshire Oaks outlet village.

It will be the fifth stand-alone restaurant at the centre.

Shaun Rhodes, marketing manager for McArthurGlen’s Cheshire Oaks, said: “The opening of Wagamama will be a welcome addition to the dining offering at the centre.”

Ingrid Williamson, director of marketing for Wagamama, said:  “We’re thrilled to be opening in McArthurGlen’s Cheshire Oaks, and to expand our network in the North West.

“We look forward to welcoming shoppers as they refuel after browsing the boutiques and retail outlets.”