Vardags and Lichfields sign new deals at Manchester's Ship Canal House

Two companies have snapped up space at Ship Canal House in Manchester.

Divorce and family law firm Vardags has expanded after signing a deal for additional space, bringing its occupancy at the city centre property to over 5,000 sq ft.

Planning consultancy Lichfields, meanwhile, has taken 2,895 sq ft on the sixth floor.

The deals leave one suite of 3,300 sq ft available at the King Street building.

The Ardstone Regional Office Fund, which is funded by clients of real estate firm CBRE’s Global Investment Partners arm, said it recently undertook a “comprehensive” refurbishment of Ship Canal House’s reception space.

Other organisations based at the site include business advisors CLB Coopers, law firm Gateley and insurance company Liverpool Victoria.

Lichfields senior director Mike Watts said: “The Lichfields Manchester office opened with four staff in 2002 and we have grown our client base and profile over the last 15 years.

“Our new home will help deliver a higher-quality environment for staff and will allow for an expansion in the number being employed.”

He added: “It is part of Lichfields long term commitment to Manchester and the North West.”

Commercial property agency GVA’s Manchester office acted for the landlord of Ship Canal House on both transactions. Lichfields was advised by Cushman & Wakefield.

Rhys Evans, a member of the offices team at GVA, said: “The location and the quality of the space at Ship Canal House is excellent.

“It is these qualities combined with the grandeur of the building itself that have attracted companies of the standing of Vardags and Lichfields.”

He continued: “The landlord has really committed to the building through the refurbishment work they have undertaken and this has clearly paid off.”

Vardags and Lichfields have now join an impressive array of occupiers including CLB Coopers, Gateley PLC and Liverpool Victoria.