Healthcare provider Bupa is on the cusp of becoming the second largest occupier at Peel Group’s MediaCity development in Salford, Greater Manchester.
Bupa has agreed to take around 100,000 sq ft on a build-to-suit proposal at the media hub.
The private healthcare company had shelved its requirement in 2013 after shortlisting NOMA, Spinningfields and First Street. It binned the two-year search and instead chose to hold over at its existing Salford Quays offices.
However, the tabled deal would see a phased occupation away from its existing Salford bases, in a smaller move than the 140,000 to 180,000 sq ft originally planned.
MediaCity has 16 acres of developable land remaining, along with consent for a 100,000 sq ft block fronting Broadway comprising 54,000 sq ft of offices and a 112-bedroom hotel.
Bupa currently occupies around 128,000 sq ft across 1, 3 and 4 Anchorage Quay, as well as Peel’s The Victoria.
Bupa’s new block would see it become the second largest MediaCity presence.
The healthcare firm is expected to take a 25-year lease, paying a rent of more than £20 per sq ft.
A source said: “As soon as they shelved the first requirement they were left in a corner. With rents too high at Spinningfields, Peel held all the cards.”
A spokesman for Bupa confirmed it was assessing its options in Salford, adding that a decision had yet to be finalised.
Cushman & Wakefield is acting for Bupa; CBRE and Cushman & Wakefield are letting agents at MediaCityUK.
