The publisher behind Auto Trader has shortlisted two of Manchester’s prime office sites for what is one of the largest searches the city has seen in recent years.
Berkshire-based Trader Media Group has shortlisted Ask’s No 1 First Street development and Allied London’s 3 Hardman Square in Spinningfields for its 60,000 sq ft office requirement.
TMG has requested detailed terms on both properties and is evaluating the proposals.
The publisher launched its search a matter of weeks ago in Warrington, but has already powered through the options in that city, before racing through out-of-town and fringe options in Manchester to arrive in the city centre.
First Street recently received a fillip with a 23,500 sq ft leasing to engineering firm Jacobs, and now has just 135,000 sq ft available.
The 180,000 sq ft 3 Hardman Square – let to tenants including Ecclesiastical Insurance, Worldpay and i2 Offices – quotes rents around £30 per sq ft. That building was also recently boosted by a 10,000 sq ft letting to recruitment firm Michael Page.
Trader Media has a small digital operation in Cheshire but the move would mark a major North West expansion.
Dunlop Heywood are acting for TMG; Savills and CBRE market First Street; CBRE advises Allied London at 3 Hardman Square.
chris.berkin@estatesgazette.com
