Wates celebrates 125th anniversary with new Greater Manchester home
In moving from The Royals in Wythenshawe to Think Park in Trafford Park, Wates has shown its commitment to sustainability.
At Think Park, Wates has signed a ten-year lease for the second floor of Building 3, an 11,000 sq ft space. Savills represented Wates on the deal with Think Park operator Think Money. JLL is the letting agent for Think Park.
The new office’s BREEAM Very Good rating and green travel links made Think Park a perfect fit for the company, which is dedicated to lowering its carbon footprint and becoming net zero by 2045. Wates is endeavouring to generate zero carbon and zero waste from its operations by 2025, becoming a net nature-positive company.
In terms of green travel, Think Park is located off Mosley Road and is located within a few minutes walk from two Metrolink stations: Parkway and Village. It is also close to Trafford Park railway station and the Trafford Centre bus station. For staff who still must drive, it is approximately a mile away from Junction 9 of the M60.
The improved travel links were a “fundamental” reason for Wates moving to Think Park, according to regional director Dave Saville.
“We want to be more sustainable and that’s all part of our commitment to be net zero,” he said.
Aside from the sustainability credentials, another key factor in choosing to relocate to Think Park was the amenities it allowed Wates to offer its 70-strong workforce. These include a gym, on-site café, lounge, and park running track.
The well-being element was important to Saville. He said: “It provides our employees with the opportunity to have more sociable interaction and facilitates collaboration, to inspire creativity and better ways of working.”
Wates’ new office also increases the business’ conference capacity, improving video links and providing break-out spaces for virtual meetings. In addition, Wates has access to Think Park’s boardroom facilities and auditorium.
A new start in the Manchester area seems fitting for Wates, whose parent company Wates Group is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. Founded in 1897, Wates has grown from being a small Surrey housebuilder to a national name in construction, property services and development.
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The Metrolink stops are actually a decent slog away. I really pushed for a stop on Mosley Road when I was a councillor but transport bosses wouldn’t wear it and to be honest I couldn’t get Trafford’s leads interested. Shame really as the Metrolink could be a boon to Trafford Park if TfGM had seen it as serving more than the Trafford Centre. Hopefully Trafford will take transport seriously now they’ve got a new lead councillor.
By Mike Cordingley