Ask Developments and Network Rail have been granted planning consent for a 200,000 sq ft grade A office building and a 445-space multi-storey car park at the Embankment Greengate scheme in central Manchester.
The scheme is located on the northern bank of the River Irwell, in the borough of Salford, but close to Manchester Victoria train station.
The first phase of the development will be 101 Embankment – a 200,000 sq ft BREEAM Excellent office building which will be completed by spring 2014.
In March, Estates Gazette revealed that Ask had struck a deal with Salford council under which the local authority would guarantee 50% of the rental value of 101 Embankment in a bid to kick-start its development.
Ask has secured a prelet to car park operator Q-Park for the multi-storey car park element.
Work has already begun on the public realm, which will open in spring 2012.
Alan Burke, director at Ask Developments, said: “The continued strength of the occupier market in the city centre and the lack of new grade A space likely to be available in 2013-14 gives both Salford city council and ourselves the confidence that now is the right time to be planning speculative development.”
David Biggs, director of property at Network Rail, said: “The number of people using Manchester Victoria is set to double by 2019. Network Rail’s plans for investment at the station will help stimulate the requirement for high-quality commercial office space in the heart of the city.”
daniel.cunningham@estatesgazette.com
