Bruntwood wins Eye Hospital contest

Manchester's preeminent office landlord is due to be confirmed shortly as the selected partner to transform the Royal Eye Hospital into a 100,000 sq ft business centre for science, research and innovation companies.

The development contest is being run by Corridor Manchester, the city council's intervention agency for the Oxford Road area, on behalf of Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, owner of the building.

Bruntwood is understood to be negotiating a long lease and management contract for the centre which will cost around £20m to deliver by spring 2012.

The development competition was launched in December 2009, at which time Jackie Potter, chief executive of Corridor Manchester, said: "The former Royal Eye Hospital is a great development opportunity where we intend to provide the modern business space that is much needed for companies wanting to locate in the Corridor area, and who wish to take advantage of the large network of health, science, medical innovation and technology companies already located here."

All parties declined to comment when contacted by Place this morning. Official confirmation is expected early next week.