Hardman Square emerges from Halliwells’ shadow

Part of the former Halliwells space in Spinningfields, Manchester has been let to i2 Office, a serviced office operator.

i2 Office has taken 22,066 sq ft at 3 Hardman Square from landlord Credit Suisse though managing agent, Muller. The new tenant has agreed a 15-year term at a headline rent of £30/sq ft, according to letting agent CBRE.

3 Hardman Square is i2 Offices' second operation in Manchester following its acquisition of two floors in Chancery Place in April. The first customers are due to move into the new base in Spinningfields next week. The bulk of the 180,000 sq ft block was left vacant following the dramatic collapse of law firm Halliwells in 2010. This is the first deal since and still leaves nearly 150,000 sq ft to let.

Philip Grace, chief executive of i2 Office, said: "3 Hardman Square ticks all the boxes, namely providing high quality Grade A space in a prime location at the heart of Spinningfields. We look forward to seeing our new offices take shape, and welcoming new customers to the i2 Office brand."

Philip Ashton, director at Müller International, said: "We are pleased to announce that i2 Office will be taking space within 3 Hardman Square, and expect to announce further lettings before the end of the year."

Alex Russell, associate director office agency at CBRE, commented: "3 Hardman Square will provide an ideal second base for i2 Office, and is likely to attract significant interest from businesses looking for high quality office space within one of Manchester's prime city centre properties."

CBRE advised landlord Credit Suisse via managing agent, Muller. DTZ and Business Homes advised i2 Office.