Barclaycard has emerged as a serious contender for the remaining space at Argent’s 150,000 sq ft One Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester.
The Barclays Bank subsidiary is vying with US insurer Marsh & McLennan and Bank of New York, which are also in the frame for the remaining 90,000 sq ft.
All three are in negotiations with Argent, and are believed to be ready to sign before Christmas, paying in the region of £23.50 per sq ft.
Sir Howard Bernstein, chief executive of Manchester city council, is assisting in the brokering of a deal.
Bank of New York is still looking at Peel’s Alexandra building in Salford Quays and Bruntwood’s Square One behind Piccadilly station.
Neither Argent nor its letting agents GVA Grimley and King Sturge would comment on the negotiations with Barclaycard, Marsh & McLennan and Bank of New York.
GVA partner Simon Reynolds said: “We are speaking to a number of occupiers who are keen on completing deals before the end of the year.”
Most of One Piccadilly Gardens has been unlet since its completion in September 2003. King Sturge signed for 15,000 sq ft during the summer, while the Housing Corporation recently took 11,000 sq ft. The remaining 26,000 sq ft was taken by insurer Allianz Cornhill last month.
References: EGi News 03/12/04
