Property briefs: GA Studio; The Gym; Whitemoss letting

GA Studio, the Manchester architects practice, has completed a £650,000 new entrance building for Ashton Sixth Form College as part of the college’s ongoing expansion and investment.

The striking entrance marks a new point of arrival for visitors to the college creating a fusion of old and new architecture.

Martin James Gibson, managing director of GA Studio, said: “We wanted to create something simple but striking that would reflect the forward thinking of the college and provide a new corporate face.”

By combining a mix of new build and refurbished space we were able to provide a naturally lit, dynamic space that looks impressive during the day and acts as a beacon at night.”

Denton Construction was the appointed contractor.

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THE Gym is shaping up for a short move across Manchester from Piccadilly Plaza to Bruntwood’s Bank Chambers on Faulkner Street.

The low cost operator has taken 19,000 sq ft on the second and third floors of the old Bank of England building. It previously occupied 15,400 sq ft at Piccadilly Plaza and the move will be taking place over the next four weeks.

The deal was agreed before Bruntwood sold the City Tower block and plaza  to Schroders.

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PHASE one of the White Moss Business Park in Skelmersdale is now fully occupied after the letting of 1B Maple Court to Brightoffice Ltd.

Brightoffice has taken 2,049 sq. ft of space  on a new six year lease.

Phase 2 is now being marketed by Manchester agent Nolan Redshaw on behalf of Metier Property Holdings, where there is planning consent for up to 30,000 sq ft of office accommodation.

Neil Higson at Nolan Redshaw said: “This was a good conclusion to a number of successful transactions on the business park, which results in Phase 1 being fully occupied. Occupiers such as NFU Mutual and Federal Management, benefit from the excellent communications immediately available via J4 of the M58 motorway. Phase 1 was developed to a high standard, within a professional environment with West Lancashire Investment Centre providing a business hub on site with café facilities.

“The transaction highlights an improving office sector, with longstanding enquiries now finding suitable accommodation and agreeing terms.  Following a slow start to the year, and despite evidence of a recovery in confidence, overall take-up levels are still lower than previous years. The number of transactions remains steady, however, lettings below 2,500 sq ft continue to dominate the market.”