Ask confirms major letting to Auto Trader

Ask Developments has completed a 60,000 sq ft letting to Auto Trader at Number One First Street, the 20-acre city centre project in Manchester.

Auto Trader signed a 15-year lease and will occupy two-and-a-half floors. The deal enables the firm to move its 600-strong North West team from seven sites to one location.

The 180,000 sq ft office building is now around two-thirds let. Auto Trader is due to take occupancy in May 2014. The newcomer will join engineering services provider Jacobs and digital marketing consultancy Amaze. Jacobs signed a 10-year lease last summer to take 23,526 sq ft and is expected complete its move in June 2014.

The quoting rent at Number One First Street is £23.50 per sq ft.

Claremont Group Interiors will provide the interior design and build solution, in a contract worth circa £4m.

John Hughes, managing director of Ask Developments, said: "The strong performance and interest in Number One First Street clearly proves that the ambitious First Street development will be a key driver for Manchester in the years to come.

"Our existing building will soon be part of a new cultural neighbourhood, anchored by HOME, the merged Cornerhouse and Library Theatre Company, a project which represents £75m of investment in offices, restaurants, retail, leisure and residential space."

Trevor Mather, CEO at Auto Trader said: "Auto Trader is making a considerable investment to ensure that the employee offering matches up to the brand ambition. With the planned amenities at First Street, and the cultural and leisure opportunities that Manchester offers, we are confident we can continue to grow the business and bring in the best UK talent."

Ann Clarke, joint managing director of Claremont Group Interiors, said: "Trader Media Group is high profile and their requirements have been known in the market for some time so this is a highly coveted win for us. It's the result of tremendous hard work and creativity from the team and a fantastic start to 2014."

Ask Developments was advised by the Manchester teams of Savills and CBRE. Dunlop Heywood and Matthews & Goodman advised Auto Trader.