Archive: Feb 2015
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Trowers & Hamlins to move into 55 Princess Street
Our client, OBI Property announced UK top-50 law firm Trowers & Hamlins is to move into two floors, totalling 17,271 sq ft, at 55 Princess Street, Manchester city centre. The firm has taken a ten-year lease, with a break at year five.
Trowers & Hamlins plans to move its 70-strong Manchester team into 55 Princess Street from Heron House on Albert Square in May 2015. Taking the first (8,279 sq ft) and second (8,992 sq ft) floors, the international law firm is moving to accommodate the expansion of its Manchester operations.
Mike Gaskell, managing partner, Trowers & Hamlins Manchester office, said: “The firm has made – and continues to make – significant investments to grow our team in the North West, and as a result, we needed to find larger premises. We were impressed with the quality of the refurbishment and, in particular, the new reception and common areas of 55 Princess Street. The offices provide an ideal location and environment for our staff and clients, and we are very much looking forward to settling in.”
Jonathan Lawes, Cube Real Estate who asset manages the property on behalf of the owners, said: “Through the refurbishment of the reception, common areas and workspace at 55 Princess Street and by implementing a forward thinking marketing programme we have successfully repositioned the building as one of the most desirable offices within Manchester city centre. To attract an occupier of the stature of Trowers & Hamlins endorses the quality of the product which is on offer and we expect further transactions on the remaining vacant floors to follow shortly”
Richard Lace, Lead office consultant, OBI Property, said: “55 Princess Street is situated next to St Peters Square in one of the most desirable areas of the city centre. The top floor penthouse, extending to 6,202 sq ft, offers stunning views across Manchester and benefits from an amazing roof terrace making it one of the finest suites currently available in the city. Along with the vacant 3rd floor space, we can accommodate requirements of up to 15,000 sq ft.”
David Porter, Partner, Knight Frank, added “After an extensive search our client is delighted with the end result.”
OBI Property acted on behalf of the building landlord Benson Elliot on the deal. Trowers & Hamlins was represented by Knight Frank. JLL are joint leasing agents with OBI.
Press coverage was received for this story in the Manchester Evening News, Greater Manchester Business Week Magazine, Place Northwest, The Businessdesk.com and Insider.
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Looking forward to summer 15
It may only be the early days of the year but I am already looking forward to the summer. This year promises to be special with a cluster of amazing events to look forward to.
It all starts in June with Parklife festival at Heaton Park, Manchester. It’s become the traditional place for me to celebrate my birthday, and while I may be a little older than the average attendee at Parklife, the atmosphere is amazing and the line-up staggering. This year I most looking forward to seeing Disclosure, Wu Tang Clan, Fat Boy Slim, James Bay, Metronomy and Everything Everything to name just a few.
From 2-19 July the International Festival takes over the city. Now in it’s tenth year, I have very high expectations for MIF. I’ve already booked tickets to as many of the performances and events as I can – and I am hoping for lots of sunshine as I’ll be pretty much be basing myself at the Festival Hub at Albert Square for the duration.
A few weeks after MIF and I’ll be heading up to the beautiful Lowther Deer Park for Kendal Calling. Also celebrating its tenth year, Kendal is a fantastic festival – I think I have only missed two or three of them over the years. This year Elbow and Snoop Dogg are my must sees.
Finally, to round off the summer on 3 September I’ll be at Portmeirion in North Wales for the mesmerising Festival Number 6. I’ve been to every Festival Number 6 so far and each year it gets better and better. There’s something about the village that brings out the best in everyone and frankly, what can be more civilised than being sat on a proper chair (with a cushion), drinking Prosecco (from a glass) at a festival!
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Will Lewis assesses Manchester property market
On Thursday 26 February, Will Lewis, director, OBI Property led a very informative Federation for the Built Environment breakfast briefing from panel members including Simon Binns, CityCo and Ben Roberts, Cushman and Wakefield.
Will spoke about the active Manchester office market, saying it is the strongest he has ever seen it in his career. He outlined the key projects about to start in the City including 2 St Peter’s Place which is being built speculatively. To an audience of over 150 people, Will’s optimistic take on the office market for 2015 and beyond was matched by Simon and Ben’s thoughts on retail and the industrial sectors.
Will and his colleagues at OBI Property regularly blog their opinions and views on the market and the conditions which affect it. You can read the blog posts here.
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Charmaine O’Connor in the running for Professional Business Woman of the Year
Our client Charmaine O’Connor from Salford based bulk earthworks, demolition and civil engineering contractors PP O’Connor has been selected as a finalist for the Forward Ladies Women in Business Awards 2015. You can read more about the awards here.
We wish Charmaine the best of luck for awards ceremony which is taking place in Manchester on Thursday 26 March.
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OBI Property shortlisted for Property Week Awards
Congratulations to our client, OBI Property who are shortlisted in the 2015 Property Week Awards for Niche Agency. The Property Week Awards look to recognise the best businesses and developments in the commercial property sector from around the country.
To celebrate 20 years of the awards, the magazine is holding a public vote for the most innovative property development. It’s great to see several Northwest schemes on the list including Spinningfields, Liverpool One, MediaCityUK and One Angel Square. Vote for your favourite here.
We’ll know the winners of all the awards on 21 April.