Hydrock signs at Northern Assurance Buildings

The engineering and remediation business is to move its Manchester operation to a 2,613 sq ft fourth floor suite at the Albert Square building, for which it has agreed terms at £24 per sq ft.

Hydrock had previously been based in serviced offices at Hardman Square, Spinningfields but is growing its local engineering design operations. Manchester is one of the firm’s 17 UK locations.

Danny Hope, technical director at Hydrock, said: “From our very first viewing of the Northern Assurance Buildings, we knew it was the right place for us and our growing team. As a building it is well situated, has great visual impact, and offers our staff an inspiring environment in which to work and meet with our clients”.

The building is owned by the LJ Partnership and forms part of LJ’s Albert Estate. The investor, working with OBI Property’s design team, has spent £3m on redevelopment in the listed estate, which also includes Victoria Building, 2 Mount Street and 1 Central Street.

Debbie Meredith in OBI’s transactions and asset management team said: “The Albert Estate is a community of dynamic businesses based in four iconic listed properties around Manchester’s Albert Square which have undergone careful renovation.

“With their central location in the heart of the city, it is no surprise at the speed of which these buildings are being let.”

There are three remaining suites at Northern Assurance Buildings, offering a total of slightly more than 9,000 sq ft.

JLL is the joint letting agent with OBI. Hydrock was represented by McNeil Commercial.