Law firm Vardags opening city centre office

LONDON family law firm Vardags – which acts for a string of celebrities and billionaires – is opening an office at Ardstone Capital’s Ship Canal House in Manchester city centre.

A deal has been struck by Bilfinger GVA’s Manchester agency firm for the divorce and family solicitors’ firm to take 1,384sp ft on the eighth floor of the grade II-listed building on a 10-year lease and at a value of £26 per sq ft.

Vardags says its decision to locate in Manchester was driven by the demand for its legal services in the region.

Michael Cecil at Ardstone Capital, said: “We are thrilled that such a high profile legal practice has chosen to locate its first office outside of the south east at Ship Canal House.

“They will make a fantastic addition to the strong line up of tenants that currently occupy the building.”

Chris Cheap, senior director, Bilfinger GVA Manchester, said: “Vardags was looking for space that matched its status as a practice and offered them the best possible occupational solution. We are delighted that Ship Canal House met Vardags’ expectations on both counts.

“The remaining suites in the building provide some of Manchester’s best office space, set against the backdrop of the city’s prime address. This unique combination should not be lost on potential occupiers.”

Ship Canal House, comprising 72,500 sq ft over 10 floors, is occupied by notable tenants including Virgin Money, Gateley and the recently opened restaurant group Burger & Lobster.

Vardags founder and president Ayesha Vardag said: “This beautiful, historic building, Ship Canal House, provides the location and quality of venue that our high net worth clients expect of us as a leading family law firm.  Manchester is a growth area for us, with a high level of demand from the city and surrounding region.

“We look forward to expanding our presence in the North West from our wonderful new office.”