Swinton considers Greengate move

Swinton Insurance is in talks with Ask Real Estate that could lead to the insurer relocating its Manchester headquarters to 101 Embankment, the 165,000 sq ft office building under construction at the Greengate development area.

Swinton is understood to be considering several options that range from a 60,000 sq ft requirement up to taking the entire building.

The insurer currently occupies Bridgewater House at 60 Whitworth Street and 6 Great Marlborough Street.

WHR Property Consultants has been retained to advise Swinton. CBRE and Cushman & Wakefield are the letting agents. Quoting rents are £28/sq ft.

101 Embankment is a joint venture between Ask Real Estate, Tristan Capital Partners and Carillion. Practical completion of the building is due in October.

Speculative construction was able to begin after Ask and partners agreed a deal with Salford City Council, which would see the authority take a lease on the building if it did not let.

A second building, 100 Embankment, of 164,000 sq ft gained planning permission last week.

All parties declined to comment.