Fresh milestone for Manchester’s No8 First Street development

Work on the No8 First Street scheme in Manchester hit a new milestone this week.

The 173,600 sq ft Grade-A office site, forming part of the 20-acre First Street project, has now reached the highest point of its development.

A topping-out ceremony held on Wednesday (October 5) marked the occasion, with guests including Cllr Susan Quinn, who represents the Greater Manchester Property Venture Fund (GMPVF), James Muir and Dan Williams of property firm PATRIZIA UK, and John Hughes of Manchester-based developer Ask Real Estate Limited.

The seven-storey office building will be the first in Manchester to include winter gardens, according to PATRIZIA, and has already been partially pre-let to global energy business Gazprom.

No8 is forward-funded by the GMPVF in a joint venture with PATRIZIA UK and designed by architects Fletcher Priest. Ask Real Estate was appointed to manage the development’s construction phase, which is led by building firm Carillion.

PATRIZIA acquired First Street in May 2015. The development is already home to a number of national, international and Manchester-born companies, including the Indian Tiffin Room restaurant, supermarket chain Sainsbury’s, car park firm Q-Park and INNSIDE Hotel.

The managing director of PATRIZIA UK and Ireland, James Muir, said: “Now that No8 has reached the highest point in its build programme you can really see now how impressive this building is going to be.

“First Street is already one of the prime office locations in the City with No1 home to an impressive line-up of high profile companies including AutoTrader, Ford Credit Bank, Jacobs Engineering and Amaze, which together employ over 2,000 people.”

He added: “However combined with the leisure and forthcoming residential offer, it is now a confirmed destination within the city of Manchester.”

Cllr Susan Quinn commented: “GMPVF has a long history of investing in developments in Greater Manchester to achieve its twin aims of commercial returns for the Pension Fund and positive impact in the area; we are delighted to be working with PATRIZIA on this prestigious development which follows on from our success at 1 St Peter’s Square.”

Ask Real Estate’s MD, John Hughes, said: “No8 continues to attract attention from companies looking to move into the city centre from outlying areas, bringing with them valuable staff members and recruiting new talent from a wider local employment pool.

“The location of First Street and its exceptional connectivity to the region’s transport networks makes it an extremely attractive proposition for larger firms which want to give their staff the benefits of working in the heart of the city whilst having an easy commute and access to a wide range of top class amenity.”

No8 First Street is due for completion in September 2017. Estate agents Savills and property consultants Bilfinger GVA have been appointed as joint agents.