Bupa agrees 145,000 sq ft deal with Peel

The health and social care company has signed a 15-year lease with Peel Land & Property Group on a 145,000 sq ft new-build office near to its current base in Salford Quays.

Construction of the property, known as The Regent, should start in 2016 subject to planning approval. When completed, around 2,000 Bupa staff relocate from the company's current offices in Peel's Anchorage and Victoria buildings.

Bupa launched a 140,000 sq ft requirement in 2011, and by 2012 had shortlisted a block in Peel Media's MediaCityUK phase two, alongside Ask Development's First Street, Allied London's Spinningfields and Co-operative Group's Noma in Manchester as potential locations.

However in 2013 the requirement was believed to have been shelved.

Richard Bowden, Bupa UK managing director, said: "We're very excited about this move to The Regent and pleased that we've been able to stay in Salford Quays.

"We're determined to be the best-loved health and care company in the UK. This move will help us to develop more efficient ways of working so we can provide an even better service for our customers.

"It will also help towards our targets to be more sustainable through energy efficient design that also supports smart working practices."

Bupa's team will now work with its employees and Peel on developing the design and layout of the new space, with a target of moving into The Regent in 2018.

The architect is Chapman Taylor.

Bupa was advised during the process by Cushman & Wakefield.