EP Group acquires Salford Quays’ Digital World Centre

The 72,400 sq ft building was disposed of by Peel and will be refurbished by its new owners.

Blackburn-based commercial real estate investor EP Group is the new owner of Digital World Centre, and has appointed Colliers to let its vacant space.

The sale, which generated Peel somewhere in the region of £6m, completed last year but has not previously been reported. The building comprises 50,000 sq ft of offices space, around half of which is unoccupied. The ground floor is let to Nandos.

EP has added the Salford Quays building, located at 1 Lowry Plaza, to its growing portfolio. The investor also owns Blackburn Innovation Centre, a 44,000 sq ft building it bought from Mileway in 2022.

Peel and EP both declined to comment. Christopher Dee acted for Peel on the deal.

The site sits within the latest MediaCity masterplan and was earmarked for around 290 apartments. However, EP has no plans to redevelop the site and is committed to its future use as an office.

However, there are no current plans to redevelop the site and Colliers has been appointed to find occupiers for the building’s vacant space.

EP Group is also carrying out a refurbishment project that will see the building degassed.

Jonathan Cook, director in Colliers’ national offices team, said: “Salford Quays has firmly established itself as one of the UK’s fastest-growing cities and continues to strengthen its position as a global business hub, attracting leading companies across technology, media, and professional services.

“As a leading destination for investment and innovation, Salford Quays offers businesses the opportunity to succeed, supported by a highly skilled workforce in close proximity. Employees can also enjoy the benefits of a vibrant cultural scene. With its distinctive design, on-site amenities, and a professional environment that enhances productivity, Digital World Centre represents the future of workspace in Salford Quays.”