53N finishes King Street office revamp

Developer 53N has completed the refurbishment of 31,000 sq ft of offices at 76 King Street in Manchester's traditional business core.

Main contractor Russells Construction carried out the three-month project on behalf of 53N. The Manchester office of 5Plus Architects was responsible for the internal redesign.

The ground floor retail units remain home to DKNY and Belstaff plus the newly remodelled reception area and lift bank.

76 King Street also houses a rooftop terrace with views across the city, available for use by the top floor leaseholder.

Andrew Russell, managing director of Russells Construction, said: "The completion of 76 King Street provides Manchester with more than 30,000 sq ft of new Grade A space. It is one of several city centre refurbishment projects we have been commissioned to undertake over recent months, bringing historic buildings right up-to-date. It is indicative of what we are seeing across the market. Where new build development is still rare, developers and occupiers are now investing in upgrading their property assets which is good news from the construction industry's perspective and contributes preserving the city's built heritage for the future."

The building will later this month host the next gathering of the Manchester Property Forum.
53N acquired the building in June 2011. Andrew Waugh of 53N said: "We are confident in our investment in 76 King Street. This is a stunning building in a popular part of the city centre which has seen some great improvements over the last few months. It offers potential tenants an impressive combination of a modern, high specification office space in fantastic location.

"The beauty of the office market in Manchester is the choice on offer. There are so many different options for occupiers in the city centre but, regardless of the size or style of space they're after, all benefit from Manchester's accessibility, leisure facilities and active business community. In recent years it was felt that King Street was suffering with the renaissance of other parts of Manchester but, with recent high profile restaurant and retail openings, and investment in projects like ours, it is once again being recognised as an extremely prestigious address."

The joint letting agents are David Laws and Rob Peill of Matthews & Goodman, and Josh Levy and Anthony Howcroft of WHR.