Lace takes plunge with Urban Splash move

Richard Lace will leave OBI after 12 years with the firm, starting a new role with the developer later this month.

Lace joined OBI in 2013 from GVA, now Avison Young, and has played a crucial role in the business’s growth over more than a decade, according to founder Will Lewis.

“Ricky has played a huge part of the OBI journey…and we’re all incredibly grateful for his contribution to the business,” Lewis said.

“While it’s always sad to see someone of his calibre move on, he does so with our full support and best wishes. We are looking forward to announcing our new team member shortly.”

During his time at OBI, Lace has advised on several high-profile deals across Manchester, including Hill Dickinson’s 18,000 sq ft deal at No 1 St Michael’s and VirginO2’s 45,000 sq ft letting at Island.

He will take on the role of head of commercial lettings at Urban Splash.

Nathan Cornish, group board director of Urban Splash, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Richard has agreed to join our in-house team.

“It was no easy task persuading him to come client side, as he was part of such a strong and successful team at OBI. We’ve worked together on many deals with OBI and Richard coming on board will only strengthen this relationship further.”