Lettings latest: Softcat; Randox Testing; Manpower
IT consultancy Softcat has taken extra space at Universal Square in Ardwick, agreeing a five-year lease on the 16,450 sq ft third floor of building five.
The business, which has grown from a team of five in 2008 to a staff of 160, previously occupied an 11,613 sq ft unit on the fourth floor.
Bill Kenny, Softcat’s legal and administration director said: “We have been based at Universal Square since 2008 and we have undergone significant growth during our time at the scheme.”
Universal Square has more than 50 businesses employing around 1,000 employees. Other tenants include occupational health provider Express Medicals, PR agency Mason Williams, and clothing retailer Aspecto. JLL and Canning O’Neill are joint agents.
Chris Mulcahy, office agency director at JLL, said: “The deal highlights the success of Universal Square and the flexibility that it can offer tenants. The development’s location, amenities and well maintained accommodation has helped it attain a high occupier retention rate. Given the growing demand in and around the city centre we’re confident that the development’s blend of on-site amenities and its location at the fringe of the Manchester’s core will continue to prove popular with new occupiers and current tenants.”
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DRUG and alcohol testing company Randox Testing Services has expanded its operations with a 6,500 sq ft laboratory at Hexagon Tower in Blackley, North Manchester.
It is the first English base outside London for the company which has its headquarters in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Gary McCutcheon, global manager at Randox Testing Services, said: “Manchester ranks second in terms of metropolitan economies within the UK, but when you factor in its geographical location, it really becomes an obvious choice.
“Outstanding air, road and rail infrastructure makes it an ideal hub location to service the UK market and further afield. Looking towards the future with Manchester’s proud tradition of science and innovation, its universities offer a strong pool of quality graduates as we require expanding.”
Hexagon Tower is part of the national Business Environments for Science and Technology (BEST) Network, a
portfolio of six privately-owned science parks assembled and managed by LaSalle Investment Management.
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RECRUITMENT firm Manpower is moving from Mosley Street in Manchester to the first floor of 49 Peter Street.
It has agreed a 10-year lease on 2,700 sq ft at the building which is owned by PD Properties.
It is now almost fully let with other occupiers including Morgan Hunt, Troup Bywaters, Health & Case Management and Cowgill Holloway. The agent is WHR.
Harry Skinner of WHR said: “Following the contemporary refurbishment of the accommodation, we are pleased to have secured a new tenant almost immediately after completion, which is a reflection of the high quality office space available. We have strong interest in the remaining floor of the building and hope to be welcoming another new tenant very soon.”
Marchmont Chartered Surveyors advised Manpower. Edwards and Co are the joint letting agents.
