Lawyer plugs into Sharp Project

The Sharp Project, Manchester City Council's 200,000 sq ft not-for-profit media and creative industries centre, has attracted a Newcastle-based law firm to take space.

Ward Hadaway will initially base two people from its creative industries team at the building in East Manchester.

Laura Harper, partner, will work alongside a solicitor at Sharp Project and has taken occupation already. She said: "Moving here is a great opportunity for our creative industries team to be in on the ground and right in the heart of the action as the Sharp Project develops.

"We pride ourselves on delivering a legal service which really talks the language of the creative community and addresses the issues which matter most to them. Being here gives us an excellent chance to be able to demonstrate that.

Ward Hadaway, which also has an office in Leeds, works with technology companies, games developers, artists, advertising and design agencies, film companies, musicians and producers.

Sue Woodward, project director for the Sharp Project, said: "We are creating our very own eco-system of companies here so each can support each other and grow.

"To have a specialist law firm with an excellent track record in the media and creative sector located here is a massive asset and a real plus for our tenants."

The Sharp Project is located at the former Sharp warehouse on Thorp Road, off Oldham Road and next to Central Park's Gateway transport interchange.

It is being refurbished at a cost of £16.5m, funded by Manchester City Council, the North West Development Agency and the European Regional Development Fund. Phase one of the project was completed in April and 25 companies have taken space.