FTSE 100 firm signs for Spinningfields office

Wealth manager St James’s Place has taken out a 10-year lease for 12,000 sq ft at 3 Hardman Square in the Manchester business district.

In taking space on 3 Hardman Square’s fourth floor, St James’s Place will leave its current Manchester office at Sunlight House. The company’s lease with 3 Hardman Square owner Royal London Asset Management includes a break option at year five.

St James’s Place is part of the Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index, which recognises companies that market cap on the London Stock Exchange. As of the afternoon of 19 June, St James’s Place’s instrument market cap was nearly £6.2bn.

Peter Alford, director of corporate real estate for St James’s Place, reflected on the move: “Manchester is an important location for us, and 3 Hardman Square will help facilitate the future development of our business by providing a high-quality and sustainable office environment in the heart of the commercial district.”

The St James’s Place letting comes after a period of investment from Royal London – an investment that focused on creating a two-tiered business lounge with meeting spaces and a wellness hub. 3 Hardman Square also boasts an operational BREEAM rating of Excellent.

“3 Hardman Square has been repositioned to provide inspiring office space that encourages collaboration and connection and we are delighted to welcome St. James’s Place to the portfolio,” said Royal London asset manager Arabella Pollock.

Royal London was represented by CBRE and Colliers on the deal, while St James’s Place had agent Knight Frank and solicitor Burges Salmon.