Argent, GMPVF complete office deal

Argent and Greater Manchester Property Venture Fund have concluded the letting to KPMG at One St Peter's Square in central Manchester.

KPMG will occupy 62,500 sq ft across the top three floors of the 13-storey Glenn Howells-designed building on a 15-year lease from spring 2014.

James Heather, project director of Argent, said: "We are delighted to have secured this letting and that KPMG has confirmed its move to One St Peter's Square. We are wholly committed to delivering this building to tie in with KPMG's deadlines. This is a fantastic scheme not only for us as developers but also for Manchester city centre and confirms our confidence and commitment to the occupier market. As the only new build office scheme within the market this 280,000 sq ft scheme will offer unrivalled Grade A accommodation in an impressive new building, which will redefine standards in the office market and be complete in spring 2014."

Jonathan Hurst, office senior partner at KPMG in Manchester, said: "One St Peter's Square will act as the business centre-piece of the regenerated area and an apt home for KPMG in the city. Its prominent location, excellent public transport links, market-leading green credentials and contemporary design will contribute to a best-in-class office building and a highly productive space for our employees, clients and the wider Manchester business community."

Demolition of the existing Elisabeth House building, by local firm Connell Brothers, is already well underway and is expected to be completed by April next year when the appointed contractor, Carillion will start on site.

Law firm DWF advised KPMG; Knight Frank was KPMG's property agent. GVA and Savills acted on behalf of the joint venture partnership, Argent and GMPVF.