Ask Real Estate considers £300m Manchester development following latest acquisition

Property company Ask Real Estate has secured a new multi-million pound development opportunity in Manchester after purchasing the former site of the Bauer Millett car showrooms in the city centre.

Following a deal earlier this year that saw construction business Carillion acquire a majority stake in Ask, the firm has snapped up a 1.74-acre site next to Manchester Central and the Hilton Tower.

Now, Ask is considering proposals that encompass a mix of uses for the site, including a hotel, commercial offices, a retail and leisure offer and parking facilities. In total, the development could comprise over 750,000 sq ft at a projected value of around £300m.

The project will be delivered in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Manchester City Council (MCC) and Manchester Central, the venue that hosted the UK Northern Powerhouse International Conference & Exhibition at the end of February.

Ask’s managing director, John Hughes, said: “Our new corporate relationship with Carillion, which was only completed in January, has given us the platform to move quickly to acquire this prime piece of real estate in the city centre.

“I am looking forward to us working in partnership with MCC, TfGM and Manchester Central and evolving our exciting development proposals before submitting a detailed planning application later this year.”

Manchester-based architecture firm SimpsonHaugh and Partners has been chosen to design the scheme.

The city council’s chief executive, Sir Howard Bernstein, commented: “We are delighted that Ask has acquired this strategic site, and look forward to working with colleagues in bringing forward the development of a key part of the city’s Civic Quarter.”

Manchester Central’s chief executive, Angie Robinson, said the development’s location will be a key part of its offer, as it has been for the events venue.

She continued: “We very much look forward to working with partners to shape these strategic city developments which, in turn, will help to make Manchester an even more attractive destination for conferences and events.”