The international healthcare group, Bupa, has confirmed a three-year rolling plan to transfer its entire UK operation to new Salford Quays headquarters. It has signed a 15-year agreement with Peel Land & Property to lease a yet-to-be-built office block at MediaCityUK.
Described as one of Manchester’s biggest commercial property lettings in the last five years, planning permission is expected soon on the 145,000 sq ft Regent building. Construction will start next year and, when completed, Bupa will transfer its 2,000 staff from the two neighbouring buildings it currently leases.
“We are very excited about this move to The Regent and pleased that we’ve been able to stay in Salford Quays,” commented Bupa UK managing director, Richard Bowden.
“This move will help us to develop more efficient ways of working so we can provide an even better service for our customers,” he added. “”It will also help towards our targets to be more sustainable through energy efficient design that also supports smart working practices.”
His company will now collaborate with Peel on the design and layout of the new office space prior to Bupa completing its transfer by the end of 2018. From the start the healthcare company has stressed it wants to “support a building which is more environmentally sustainable through design, fit-out, location and approach to travel”.
Stephen Wild is managing director at MediaCityUK, the 200-acre development on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal. “We are delighted to have secured this agreement with Bupa, which cements Peel’s long-standing relationship with the UK’s biggest name in private health care,” he said.
“The company’s investment in a new building supports our ambitious strategy for the wider MediaCityUK community and will provide a great working environment for Bupa’s staff. With more amenities and leisure activities yet to come, MediaCityUK has rapidly become a destination of choice for businesses of all sizes.”
