Law firm DLA Piper has completed a deal to take 44,880 sq ft at Argent and the Greater Manchester Property Venture Fund’s One St Peter’s Square.
DLA has signed a 15-year lease on floors eight and nine of the building, as tipped by Estates Gazette in November 2013.
It will relocate from its current premises in Barbirolli Square in mid-2016 following a fit-out.
GMPF chair Kieran Quinn said: “We are pleased to welcome DLA Piper and have worked hard with the team to accommodate their specific requirements. Having recently completed and launched the building, the development is now 44% let. We have serious interest from other potential occupiers and we expect to make further announcements soon.”
DLA managing partner Liam Cowell said: “Our new location is a real symbol of the firm’s commitment to Manchester and our intention to remain at the heart of the local business community. Having all of our staff under one roof will further boost the collegiate atmosphere. One St Peter’s Square is an impressive and prestigious new office building and we are very much looking forward to our move in 2016. ”
The 13-storey block covers 280,000 sq ft and is also home to KPMG. It achieved practical completion in autumn this year. Rents are some of the strongest in the city, standing above £30 per sq ft.
DLA was one of four tenants considering vacating Barbirolli Square, along with Addleshaw Goddard, EY and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Savills and GVA are marketing the building; GVA advised DLA Piper.
chris.berkin@estatesgazette.com
