Lettings latest: Exchange Chambers; EMS Group; Mint Umbrella; Explore Learning and more
EXCHANGE Chambers has agreed a 10-year lease 9,500 sq ft at 201 Deansgate in Manchester.
Quoting rental levels at the building are at £24.50 per sq ft.
The barristers’ set will move from its current premises in Ralli Courts early next year.
The five-storey building, home to DWF and TD Waterhouse, has undergone a £1.5m refurb in the past year. Just one floor of 15,000 sq ft is vacant.
Jonathan Baucher of Cushman & Wakefield, who acted for Exchange Chambers, said: “We carried out an extensive search of the market before identifying 201 Deansgate as the ideal solution for Exchange Chambers.
“The building has a central and prominent location close to the law courts which were essential considerations. In addition, the exceptionally high quality of accommodation means that it was most suited for Exchange Chambers and the roof terrace and basement car parking were also added attractions.”
Chris Mulcahy at Jones Lang LaSalle acted for landlord Kames Capital.
::
WARRINGTON’s EMS Group, which trades as web design firm EMS Internet and app developer Appitized, has taken 10,000 sq ft at Centre Park in the town.
It is moving to Riverside House in the new year after taking on more staff. The business, currently based at Bank House, Bank Street, employs around 50 people.
Chief executive Jamie Wilson said: “we are always looking to improve our services, and the move to Centre Park is a reflection of our ongoing dedication to both our staff and customers who will greatly benefit from this expansion.”
::
EXPLORE Learning, a network of English and Maths tuition centres, has agreed a 15-year lease on 1,500 sq ft at Eden Square shopping centre in Urmston, Manchester.
Explore, which opened its first tuition centre in Chelmsford, Essex in 2001, focuses on children aged 5 to 14 and operates a membership scheme offering hour-long tuition sessions twice a week.
Leon Guyett, development director of Ask Developments which built Eden Square, said: “Explore Learning is an ideal addition to Eden Square and will benefit greatly from the predominance of middle income, secure families in the catchment area of Eden Square.”
Heather Garrick, from Explore Learning said: “We’ve noticed a real demand for extra tuition in the Manchester area as parents are keen to provide their children with the best support they can, at an affordable rate. Our aim is to be as accessible as possible and provide children with a fun, lively and unique environment for children to learn in.”
::
MARKETING and media agency Mint Umbrella has taken space at Bruntwood’s Cotton Exchange building in Liverpool.
The firm has agreed a 625 sq ft letting at the Bixteth Street building, which is home to the likes of music events business Loud Sound, LGBT lifestyle magazine Seen and open source software engineers The Inviqa Group.
Mint Umbrella is a full service agency headed up by business partners Nicky Rigby-Smith and Clare Barber-Delve.
Ms Barber-Delve said: “As the business continues to evolve, we want to ensure we are well positioned to capitalise on opportunities for further growth and getting the right premises is a major part of that equation. The Cotton Exchange impressed us with its refurbished space, impressive architecture and history as well as the flexible terms on offer and we’re confident it will provide us with a great platform to achieve our goals.”
::
MANCHESTER law firm Kuits Solicitors has advised the University of Salford on the opening of a Santander branch on campus. The branch was formally opened this week by Lord Burns, the bank’s chairman.
David Moroney, commercial property associate at Kuits, said: “We are delighted to advise the University on this lease. It shows that the university is attracting major names onto campus which in turn will add value to the student experience.”
::
AROUND 10,000 sq ft of newly refurbished grade A space has been unveiled at Chester Business Park following the official launch of Montell House by developer Prospect GB.
The two-storey Montell House building has undergone a comprehensive renovation which includes a reception area, new air conditioning, eight-person passenger lift, full access raised flooring and a barrier-controlled 60 space car park.
Chris Walker of Prospect GB said: “Montell House is situated within the Kingsfield Court complex at the heart of one of the most prestigious business parks in the North West. It’s an outstanding location for an office and earlier this year, when we starting putting our plans together, we could see the building’s potential appeal with the addition of a high-specification upgrade.”
