Lettings latest: St John’s Buildings; Manchester Digital; Forresters

BARRISTERS’ chamber St Johns Buildings has moved out of India Buildings on Water Street in Liverpool after acquiring its own premises.

The set has moved around the corner to a 9.500 sq ft building at 38 Vernon Street.

It follows the election of Sally Harrison QC as head of chambers. She will chair the management committee and oversee all decisions made at that level.

She said: “I am very excited to explore a new strategic vision following the three-way merger with Sheffield and Liverpool. Chambers is well placed to cope with the challenges faced by everyone involved in the delivery of quality legal services and I very much look forward to continuing its success.”

The official office opening will be on January 31.

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MANCHESTER Digital, the independent trade association for digital businesses, has taken nearly 700 sq ft at Bruntwood’s 129 Portland Street in Manchester.

The organisation, which represents around 450 businesses, has moved from the offices of the Manchester Digital Development Agency, also on Portland Street.

Business development director Katie Gallagher said “We’ve seen a huge spike in membership numbers over the last two years and with the appointment of the second full-time member of staff in May this year, we needed to make the move from hot-desking to our own office. As a small, not-for-profit, we are ensure that we manage overheads responsibly and moving to our own office space would not have been possible without support from Bruntwood.”

Colin Sinclair, director of property marketing at Bruntwood, said “The digital sector is at the forefront of Manchester’s continuing success and by supporting Manchester Digital, we are also supporting the 400 plus businesses in their membership. We are delighted that they have now chosen 129 Portland Street, where we have plans to build on the vibrant media and creative cluster of businesses that already reside here.”

INTELLECTUAL property specialist Forresters has completed its move to the Port of Liverpool building.

It has taken 4,250 sq ft on the ground floor in a 10-year lease at the building which is owned by Liverpool landlord Downing.

The firm’s 15 staff have transferred from its old offices in Wirral.

North West partner Ross Walker said: “We pride ourselves on building strong, long-term relationships and meeting with clients on a regular basis. Moving to a vibrant city centre office will bring us closer to our clients and will optimise client relationships.”