MCR lets 40,000 sq ft at Universal Square

The developer-landlord has secured the letting to CarFinance 247 at Universal Square, Manchester.

The deal follows recent lettings to AWH Legal, Kaplan Financial and Pearson Professional Assessments, and leaves 20,000 sq ft available at the 260,000 sq ft office campus.

CarFinance 247 will relocate its 420-strong team from various sites around Ancoatrs to two and a half floors of Universal Square in August.

Universal Square was acquired 50% vacant in December 2015 by MCR. A subsequent refurbishment programme has contributed to more than 100,000 sq ft being transacted. Of the remaning space, 11,000 sq ft is in a single large suite.

Ongoing works at the scheme include recladding and replacing of the windows.

John Nash, director at Canning O’Neill, joint agents for the scheme with Edwards & Co and Savills, said: “CarFinance 247’s decision to relocate here means that we have secured deals on over 70,000 sq ft space since the start of the year and have taken the building’s occupancy level up to 92%,

“With other deals in legals and an unwavering high level of interest in the scheme, Universal Square is on course to be fully occupied in the coming months.” The quoting rent at Unviersal Square is £13.50 per sq ft.

OBI Property advised CarFinance 247.