Pochin’s-UKLP jv plans South Manchester office scheme

UKLP Developments, a joint venture between Cheshire-based Pochin’s and Liverpool developer UK Land and Property, is planning a 100,000 sq ft office scheme in South Manchester after acquiring land from Manchester Airport Developments. The jv has bought an 11-acre site at Heald Green for an undisclosed sum and plans to develop a scheme called Ash Brook Office Park. The development will comprise 18 self-contained buildings, with units of between 2,000 and 22,000 sq ft available on a leasehold or freehold basis. The development will also include 149 residential units, which will be developed by Countryside Properties.   Tony Straw of UKLP Developments said it would create “formal pedestrian links” leading from the site to Heald Green railway station. Chris Mulcahy, partner at King Sturge, sole agent acting on behalf of UKLP Development, added: “As this site is close to Manchester Airport and the likes of Wilmslow, Alderley Edge and Cheadle Hulme, we are confident this office scheme will be well received by the market.” The scheme is designed by Calder Peel Architects Work is expected to begin next month with completion scheduled for Spring 2008.