RSM signs with Muse in Chester

Accountancy firm RSM is the first occupier to sign at Muse Developments’ 70,000 sq ft office building next to Chester Station and the Shropshire Union Canal.

RSM will relocate 85 staff from the Steam Mill nearby and take 8,116 sq ft on the top floor on a 10-year lease.

Phil Mayall, development director of Muse, said: “The move was a natural step for this dynamic business looking for top class Grade A office accommodation with excellent transport connectivity at the hub of Chester’s vibrant new business community.

“There is so much development happening in Chester with complementary schemes like Northgate and the dining quarter all making the city a better place to work, live and enjoy. We knew Chester was the right place to invest and we look forward to welcoming new businesses to One City Place and progressing the 15-year vision for the Central Business Quarter.”

Jill Jones, RSM’s regional managing partner for the North West, said: “It’s an exciting time at RSM. We’ve grown through acquisition and strategic hires over the last 12 months – enhancing our key practice areas, sector specialisms and service to clients. The move to the city’s business quarter is a key part of this growth and reinforces our positioned as a mid-market leader in the region and across the UK.”

One City Place is the first phase of a 440,000 sq ft business quarter set to contain seven office blocks.

City Place is partly funded by a £4.8m development loan from the North West Evergreen Fund and a further £1.4m grant from the European Regional Development Fund.

CBRE advised Muse Developments on the deal and JLL advised RSM. Bilfinger GVA and CBRE are joint agents on the City Place scheme.