China/ASK linked to Airport City

ASK, the Manchester-based property developer and an un-named Chinese backer, have been linked with the flagship £650m Airport City project.

All indications were that a partnership of Argent and Carillion had been picked by Manchester Airport Group chiefs to deliver the scheme – the biggest on the blocks in Greater Manchester.

A MAG Property spokesman said: “No party has yet been selected for the final stage in our joint venture selection process.  

“We are pleased with the level of interest shown to date by a number of parties in relation to the Airport City Project at Manchester Airport; as a number of bids have come from a range of international developers and funders.”

That a serious rival bidder to Argent/Carillion is not surprising, but reported Chinese backing could be compelling for the MAG, which has been vocal in its ambition to develop links with the super-power economy, including direct flights.

Last week Chancellor George Osborne cut the turf to mark the start of work on Airport City, and MAG Property said the first deals for occupiers were close.

ASK was not available to comment.