Marble Arch tower approved
Mike Hussey’s Almacantar has got the go-ahead for a redevelopment of Marble Arch Tower, W1. Westminster city council approved Rafael Viñoly’s revised plans for an 18-storey tower and seven-storey block. Proposals include 49 flats, around 97,000 sq ft of offices, shops and an Odeon cinema.
Savills snaps up Malaysian firm
Savills has acquired CBRE’s Malaysian business, which comprises 300 staff and offices in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor. Christopher Boyd, Allan Soo and Paul Khong own the business. From 1 March, the operating business will change its name from CBRE and trade under the Savills brand.
Titanic shake-up in Belfast
The chief executive of the Titanic Quarter in Belfast, David Gavaghan, is leaving the company as part of a restructure. Gavaghan will leave after nearly three years at the company, which is behind the regeneration masterplan of 185 acres on the site where RMS Titanic was designed and built. Two other senior staff members will also depart.
Amazon to offload Soho chunk
Amazon Property is to capitalise on Soho office demand and sell 47-50 Poland Street, W1. Offers over £45m are sought. The 43,938 sq ft properties have scope for a grade-A redevelopment.
They are part of the Soho Works estate Amazon bought last year. It will retain the residential element at 54-57 Great Marlborough Street, W1. Michael Elliott and Montagu Evans are advising.
Manchester rents on the rise
Office rents in Manchester are forecast to increase by 8% to £35 per sq ft by 2018. Colliers International said prime rent for grade-A office space in the city centre would climb from £32.50 per sq ft to £33.50 per sq ft by the end of 2015 and peak at £35 per sq ft in 2018.
