As grade A space becomes even more in demand in city centres, numerous developers are choosing to invest in building upgrades as a means of increasing returns from their properties. This has seen Grade II listed Bridgewater House in Manchester benefit from a £750,000 facelift which has now been fully completed.
Once a packing and shipping warehouse on Whitworth Street, the property now contains 180,000 sq ft of office space and boasts excellent transport links, with both Oxford Road Station and St Peters Square within close walking distance. The refurbishment took place upon the ninth floor, which now consists of 17,000 sq ft of Grade A office space and offers raised floors, air conditioning and a flexible layout ideal for larger firms looking to gain a foothold in Manchester.
The work was carried out by the London based landlord of the property, Cording Real Estate Group, which hopes to add to the already impressive tenant list at Bridgewater House in the near future.
Asset manager at the group, Christian Millard says; “This project has transformed the 9th floor combining a contemporary finish with the retention of many of the building’s original features.
“Although this space is primarily aimed at larger companies, we’re also in the process of upgrading some of the smaller suites.
“This additional work forms part of our wider investment in the property, which includes plans to refurbish the communal reception area within the next few months.”
As a Grade II listed building, Cording Real Estate Group was careful to ensure all upgrades to the interior of Bridgewater House were conducted in a way sympathetic to the property’s heritage, retaining features including the cast iron columns and exposed brickwork which hark back to the former warehouse’s prior use. However, this has been combined with contemporary finishes and up to date technology in order to create a bright, modern space.
Bridgewater House is currently the home to several high profile tenants including Swinton Insurance and engineering and construction firm URS. Cording Real Estate has now appointed property agent Knight Frank to market the refurbished ninth floor, along with the other smaller units which will soon benefit from a further modernisation programme.
Knight Frank associate Mark Bamber believes that growing firms will jump at the chance to snap up space on the ninth floor.
He says; “This building is one of only a very small number in Manchester to offer space of this size and quality.
“The recent investment provides potential occupiers with a unique opportunity to acquire high quality, large, open-plan offices in the city centre and at around half the cost of other new build space.”
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