Spinningfields development restarts

Allied London is to begin construction of the first new building at its Spinningfields development in Manchester since 2009.

Planning permission has been granted for the five-storey, 17,000 sq ft Number 1 Hardman Street, with work on the £10m building due to start this month.

Number 1 Hardman Street has been pre-let in its entirety to international media agency MediaCom, which will use it has the headquarters of its Northern network.

The building has been designed by Levitt Bernstein Associates.

Michael Ingall, chief executive and owner of Allied London, said: "This is a watershed for the restart of commercial development at the estate, which has been on hold since the completion of 3 Hardman Street in 2009.

"Over the more recent years, whilst awaiting a return of more consistent economic conditions we have channelled our investment into making Spinningfields a vibrant place to be, to eat, to drink, and to relax – as well as an inspiring place to work, as evidenced by the continual influx of major corporates to our estate, in this period.

"Spinningfields has continued to evolve throughout the recession to become one of the Manchester's key locations and, as the economy begins to show real signs of recovery, it is no coincidence that we're the first in the city to begin the development of new office space."

Paul Wheeler, chief operating officer of MediaCom North Group, said: "Our business in the regions has been extremely successful over the last 18 months, so much so that we have more than doubled our staff numbers.

"Number 1 Hardman Street represents the next stage in our mission to attract the very best staff and to be the best agency to work, in Manchester and the North. We've got really exciting plans for the building's interior design and can't wait to see our vision become a reality over the coming months."

Will Lewis of OBI Property represented Allied London, as leasing agent on the transaction.

John Chapman of Chapman Law represented MediaCom.