A decision on Royal Bank of Scotlands (RBS) 29,260 sq m (315,000 sq ft) Manchester city centre office requirement is due in mid-June.
Four parties have been shortlisted: Allied Londons Spinningfield scheme, Deansgate; Icians Smithfield; Friends Ivory Sime at Booth Street; and Town Centre Securities at Piccadilly Basin.
Friends Ivory Sime is thought likely to sell its Booth Street site if a prelet is not agreed. Currently occupied by Cheshire, Derby and Cooper Houses, it has been the subject of a planning application for a 9,300 sq m (100,000 sq ft) office scheme.
Separate planning permission has already been obtained for a 4,650 sq m (50,000 sq ft) redevelopment of Cooper House.
Developers including Amec and Wilson Bowden are already lining up for a speculative redevelopment.
EGi News 21/05/01
