Argent picks Carillion for One St Peter’s Square

The developer Argent will continue its association with Carillion after awarding the group a £60m contract to build One St Peter's Square in Manchester.

Argent, which is developing the 273,000 sq ft office building with the Greater Manchester Property Venture Fund, partnered with Carillion on Piccadilly Place in 2009.

The construction group was selected over rival bids from Bam and Kier.

A pre-let for 63,000 sq ft was agreed with the accountancy firm KPMG in August. Work should start in April and the building is expected to be handed to occupiers in early 2014.

John Rodaway, accounts director at Carillion, said: "One St Peter's Square is not only a building of significant architectural merit but it will also create a new landmark building at the gateway to the city centre.

"We have previously worked with Argent and we are very happy to have the opportunity to continue our successful working relationship."

Argent project director James Heather said: "Whilst we are delighted to have a 63,000 sq ft pre-let to KPMG, we still have almost 210,000 sq ft of Grade A office space available.

"As one of the only developers currently speculatively building commercial property outside of London it further reinforces our commitment to the scheme and confidence in its unique offering and setting."

The scheme has been designed by Glenn Howells Architects on the site of the former Elisabeth House building in St Peter's Square.