Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios to open in Manchester

The renowned architect behind the new-look Manchester School of Art, nominated for the RIBA Stirling Prize this year, is in advanced negotiations to take space in Carver's Warehouse, Piccadilly Basin.

The practice, which has offices in London and Bath and won the Stirling Prize in 2008 for the Accordia housing scheme in Cambridge, is one of the most admired architectural firms among designers and has won more RIBA awards than any other practice.

Geoff Rich, managing partner, is handling the move, details of which are due to be confirmed in the New Year.

FCB Studios is in advanced discussions with Marketing Manchester to take a sub-lease at Carver's Warehouse, owned by Town Centre Securities. Marketing Manchester and sister organisation Visit Manchester vacated a two-storey unit earlier this year to consolidate with other public sector organisations at Churchgate & Lee House on Oxford Road. The vacated space at Carver's is likely to be broken up and talks are ongoing with several prospective tenants.

Carver's is a popular location for property companies: project manager DBK, architect Harris Partnership, urban designers Civic Engineers, developer-investor CTP, environmental specialist BWB Consultancy, building services engineer Max Fordham and structural engineer Renaissance are all occupiers there.

The move would also be the latest in a long line of architects and other property professionals to open in Manchester as its development star rises. In November, London-based architect HawkinsBrown said it was opening a studio in the city. HawkinsBrown was nominated for the 2013 RIBA Stirling Prize as part of the design team for Urban Splash's Park Hill in Sheffield.

All parties declined to comment.