Arcadis signs for 10,000 sq ft at Manchester’s Island
The design and engineering consultancy has signed a 10-year lease on the first floor of the John Dalton Street building, developed by HBD and the Greater Manchester Pension Fund, equalling the headline rent for the city at £48/sq ft.
The deal will see Arcadis relocate 350 staff from offices at Piccadilly Place and NOMA into a single space. The firm follows VirginMedia O2 to Island; the telecoms outfit signed a 46,000 sq ft pre-let to take almost half of the 100,000 sq ft Island.
The £48/sq ft rent puts Arcadis on par with Dechra, which is close to agreeing a deal for 15,000 sq ft at Bruntwood SciTech’s Circle Square on the same terms, as first reported by Place North West.
Arcadis directors Rob Sale and Mike Richardson said Island’s ESG credentials tipped the balance when searching for a new office.
“As a global consultancy, it’s essential that our workplace reflects the same commitment to net zero, climate resilience, and rigorous ESG standards that we deliver for our clients,” they said.
“Island’s smart infrastructure and integrated sustainability technologies will help us advance our ambitious environmental goals. In addition, its exceptional communal and flexible spaces are designed to foster creativity, connectivity, and wellbeing among our teams, clients, and partners. This move not only supports our people but also demonstrates our ongoing investment in Manchester’s future.”
Designed by Cartwright Pickard and built by Bowmer + Kirkland, Island has achieved BREEAM Excellent accreditation, an EPC A rating, and a 5* NABERS rating.
Hamer Boot, managing director at HBD, said: “Having delivered Island on a speculative basis, it is extremely rewarding to attract an occupier of Arcadis’ calibre – an organisation which clearly recognises and values the benefits of sustainable and wellbeing focussed workspace.”
“This deal shows the continued flight to quality of companies looking to invest in their people by providing them with best-in-class workspaces. Both Virgin Media O2 and Arcadis have chosen to consolidate their operations at Island, drawn by its collaborative environment and a workplace design that places employee health and wellbeing at its core. We’ll be working closely with Arcadis on the fit out of their space, with the aim of being operational by the end of the year.”
OBI and CBRE are joint agents for Island. Arcadis was advised by Knight Frank.
With rents like this at near £50 why are GMCA throwing public subsidies at other offices in the city?
By Anonymous
Because build costs are now so high that even at £50 psf development still isn’t viable
By Alex
Strong move from Arcadis. Excellent location.
By Dan H
I’m surprised that Bowmer + Kirkland are not abbreviated to B+K like a lot of this report. Regards. R A.
By Ray
@ By Anonymous – because appraisals still don’t work at £50. Also irrespective of rents, yields are still too far out too.
By Mr Mcr
Great choice in terms of building design and location by Arcadis. HB have delivered an exceptional building. Interested to know why they are leaving Noma.
By Gareth
Hi Gareth, Purely the merger of two smaller offices to one larger 10,000 sqft floor plate. We’ve loved Dantzic and the wider NOMA as our Home and I’m sad to be leaving the community; a calm Oasis right in the heart of the City. But……. I am sooooooo excited about joining the Island Community. The buliding is fantastic, the facilities team are outstanding, the sustainability credentials are in a different league and……. the rooftop terrace!!! It’s going to be so good for all our colleagues to be under on roof and benefiting from such an amazing space.
By Matt Pickering