Pair of consultancies pull trigger on Manchester moves 

Engineer Waterman Group is to relocate from South Central to Helical’s Trinity on John Dalton Street, and construction project management consultancy RECOM Solutions has acquired a new headquarters at Waters Edge Business Park in Ordsall. 

The companies’ new offices total 8,000 sq ft. 

Waterman Group 

The consulting engineer and environmental scientist will occupy 4,000 sq ft within Trinity, having signed a 10-year lease at £34/ sq ft. 

Helical was represented jointly by Savills and Edwards & Co. Matthews & Goodman acted for Waterman. 

Waterman, which provides sustainable solutions to the property, infrastructure, energy, and environmental markets, is relocating from Bruntwood’s South Central.  

Other occupiers within the 58,700 sq ft Trinity include Aew Architects, Kennedys Solicitors and Saffery Champness. 

In 2017, Helical paid £12.9m at a net initial yield of 9.25% to buy Trinity from Ardstone Capital.  

William Parry, senior property executive at Helical, said: “Waterman is a perfect fit for Trinity. The company aligns well with current occupiers at Trinity, which is becoming a hub of activity as central Manchester comes back to life this spring.” 

The agents advising on the deal said the deal is an indication of a wider flight to quality in the Manchester office market. 

“The office market has seen an uptick in activity since the start of the year,” said Daniel Barnes, director at Savills. 

“Occupiers are generally focussing on better quality workspace to welcome their staff back into the office. This has seen several occupiers turn their attention to Trinity and it is great to welcome Waterman to the building.” 

David Laws, partner at Matthews & Goodman, said Waterman’s relocation was “a great illustration of occupiers re-evaluating their occupational needs post-pandemic, with a desire for less space but in a better-quality environment”. 

“Trinity is a great solution that provides Waterman with an efficient and flexible workplace within a first-class, high-spec environment,” Laws added. 

Fit-out of RECOM’s new HQ is underway. Credit: via Kevin Feddy Media

RECOM Solutions 

RECOM Solutions has moved to new 4,000 sq ft headquarters to accommodate its expanding team. 

RECOM, a construction project management consultancy that also acts as a main contractor, has relocated to St Modwen’s Waters Edge Business Park in Salford from Trafford Park. 

The three-storey building off Ordsall Lane provides scope for RECOM to further expand its 30-strong team. 

The company’s relocation marks a return to Salford, where it was based until 2020 when RECOM relocated to Trafford Park. 

Fletcher Bond advised RECOM on the deal and the fit-out of its new headquarters is underway. 

The ground floor will feature a reception area, showers and changing facilities and three meeting rooms. 

On the first floor will be breakout areas for staff and RECOM’s new fire protection training academy. 

The academy will be a live environment for the training of operatives in the latest industry measures, legislation and new products, as well as being a showcase for this specialism to its nationwide client base. 

The second floor of RECOM’s new HQ will house office space and the firm’s accounts department. 

Jason McKnight said: “It is the right time to buy a permanent home for the business, and the new premises gives us the scope for further growth in the team across our passive fire protection division and our other services, including our construction offering. 

“The Quays is an ideal location and is popular with our staff. It has excellent transport links and amenities, and is a desirable area in which to live, with several developments springing up offering private rented accommodation. 

“Additionally, our new building is close to the Manchester Ship Canal and it’s only a short walk to Manchester city centre. 

“This investment shows our willingness to retain a firm foothold in Manchester and to attract the best possible talent within our sectors. We are currently going through a period of growth and need the best facilities we can provide for our expanding team.”