Jacobs takes 23,000 sq ft at First St
US engineering firm Jacobs has agreed a 10-year lease on 23,500 sq ft at Ask Developments’ Number One First Street in Manchester.
The company has long been touted as a tenant at the 180,000 sq ft block but in February it took 45,000 sq ft at Orbit’s Park Square in Cheadle where it already has 170 staff.
This suggested it was no longer interested in a city centre base and would consolidate its activities in Cheadle where it now has nearly 600 people. It will move into First Street early next year.
Jamie Hills, development executive at Ask, said: “Jacobs will arrive at First Street at a very exciting time as we have commenced construction of First Street North.It will be part of a new exciting and vibrant, mixed use environment anchored by HOME, the new venue for the merged Manchester arts organisations, Cornerhouse and Library Theatre Company.
“The development also comprises a four-star Melia hotel, 700-space multi storey car park, nine new restaurant/café units, student accommodation and a new public square. When completed, the complex will total one million sq ft of offices, leisure, retail and residential.”
Joint letting agents at the buildings are Savills and CBRE. Patrick Joynson, head of Savills Manchester, said: “This is a very significant letting for Number One First Street that has only recently been vacated by Manchester City Council.
“It is great to see a traditional South Manchester occupier recognise the importance of the excellent public transport facilities available at First Street. Tenants are able to tap into to a staggering labour pool of six million people within a one hour door-to-door commute.”
