Archive: Mar 2019

  1. ID Manchester sets out bold ambition to be the innovation capital of Europe

    At the Manchester Pavilion at MIPIM, The University of Manchester presented the unique opportunity to become its partner to deliver a new, world-class innovation district in the heart of Manchester, the £1.5 billion ID Manchester.

    The presentation, attended by over 150 property professionals from all over the world, revealed The University of Manchester expects its joint partner to match its bold ambition to create a new neighbourhood which will nurture the next generation of game-changing businesses and bring huge economic benefits to Manchester.

    Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, said: “I have seen how transformative other innovation districts in cities across the globe can be. I truly believe we can make ID Manchester the innovation capital of Europe, providing the perfect conditions for organisations of all sizes and from different sectors, to share knowledge and work together turning incredible ideas into reality.”

    The University has strong track record in developing long-lasting, commercial relationships with leading global organisations such as Rolls Royce, the BBC, Siemens UK, Colgate Palmolive, Unilever and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

    Since 2004 the University has contributed £746million to the economy through nurturing and developing businesses spinning-out of its research and development facilities, and it is on these foundations it seeks to build ID Manchester.

    Diana Hampson, Director of Estates, The University of Manchester said: “The ID Manchester partnership has the makings of a formidable team. We will be looking for a world leading partner who has the experience and track-record to help us deliver this outstanding development.

    Also speaking at the presentation this morning, Colin Thomasson Executive Director, CBRE, the property advisor to The University of Manchester said: “To create a successful innovation district you need a highly connected dynamic urban location. The city of Manchester has all the attributes required with its strong knowledge based economy, a young talented workforce and world leading university.”

    “ID Manchester is the last major development opportunity in a city centre which is seeing exceptional growth, and perfectly positioned to reap the benefit from the city’s next wave of economic growth.

    Joanne Roney, Chief Executive, Manchester City Council said: “The University and the city have long been closely aligned. We have grown up together and share a spirit of innovation, revolution and entrepreneurship. ID Manchester will build upon this proud shared history.”

    It is expected an OJEU notice will be released in summer to signal the start of the competitive process to identify a partner, with a view to having an appointment made by mid-2020.

    This news story was featured in The University of Manchester, Architects’ Journal, Place North West and Manchester Evening News.

  2. OBI appoints Chief Operating Officer

    Real estate advisory firm OBI announced it has appointed Elizabeth Bisby as its Chief Operating Officer and Company Secretary. The team at OBI now totals 30.

    Elizabeth joins OBI from Sky Betting and Gaming in Leeds, where she spent over three and half years working on numerous finance and HR projects including the divestment of the business from Sky plc in 2015 and completion of the $4.7bn acquisition of the business by The Stars Group Inc in April 2018.

    Her role at OBI will be to work closely with co-founders Will Lewis and Dominic Horridge and the rest of the growing team, to help steer the business as the company, which was established in 2010, embarks on the next phase of its growth.

    Elizabeth said:  “I am delighted to be joining OBI at such an exciting time for the business. OBI has already established itself as the market leader in Manchester because of their unique whole service offering – ‘The OBI Difference.’

    “Expanding on that, the company has now launched Studio OBI, a creative agency which will specialise in concept, branding, design and videography. Studio OBI will harness the network already established at OBI to be able to distribute their content to influential business leaders.”

    Last year OBI experienced its most successful year to date, securing the largest letting in Manchester City Centre in 16 years with the Booking.com acquisition of the 225,000 sq ft new global headquarters – Manchester Goods Yard, in the new St John’s Quarter where OBI have been appointed as workplace consultants, interior designers and the fit-out will be delivered by the OBI Building Consultancy Team.  The office team at OBI accounted for 42% of the total space transacted in the city centre in 2018.

    Will Lewis, co-founder, OBI said:  “Liz is an important addition to our business and we are delighted to welcome her to the team.  Liz brings a wealth of experience and a skillset we’ve been missing as the business has expanded.  Her appointment will have a hugely positive impact on both our existing team and our clients, and she provides the required skillset to continue the firm’s success.”

    This news story was featured in Manchester Evening News.

  3. 40 Spring Gardens fully let following deal with Aldermore Bank

    Manchester based real estate firm OBI announced the Grade A office building 40 Spring Gardens is now fully let following the expansion across the first and second floors by Aldermore Bank (20,000 sq ft) on a ten year lease.

    OBI represented the landlords Impax Asset Management, as sole leasing agents for the Grade A office building, which has been owned by them since 2010. Impax has now completed its business plan signing four new office leases and two new retail and leisure leases since acquiring the building.

    The 100,000 sq ft building features an impressive atrium was completed in 2007 and is also home to Lloyds Bank and Aon.

    Will Lewis, co-founder of OBI said: “When we met Impax to discuss the agency role, we took time to understand the vision and business plan for the 40 Spring Gardens. We have enjoyed working closely with the fund managers and since our involvement we have been successful in letting the final three vacant floors in the building. I’m really pleased that we made a noticeable difference since being appointed as sole agents on the building last year.”

    This news story was featured in Insider Media.