Workshop adds to NQ portfolio

Workshop Properties has completed its second development for small business occupiers in Manchester's Northern Quarter.

Swan Square, located on the corner of Tib Street and Swan Street, contains 14 self-contained three-storey units targeted at the creative and fashion sectors.

Iftikhar Gillan, managing director of Workshop Properties, said: "I am very pleased with the set-up we have provided at Swan Square. I wanted to create the same environment as we have done in Hilton Square for young creative and fashion businesses to thrive and grow through not only providing quality working space for them but by helping them to make the most of their business and talents."

Five of the 14 units are already let and occupied. Each unit has its own shop front, allowing occupants to have a retail window for their business, if they wish, with offices on the two floors above. The units range in size from 1,500 sq ft to 3,000 sq ft, with prices starting from £12/sq ft with flexible leases.

The scheme was designed by Jonathan Davidson at Q2 Architects and features natural stone flooring on the ground floor and timber on the upper floors, full height glazing to the front and rear.

All the units sit around a new courtyard which is kitted out with benches and tables to alfresco working and lounging.

Gillan's first development, Hilton Square, includes Victorian terraced shops and a new building which contains 19 units in total. The success of Hilton Square inspired Workshop Properties to create Swan Square.

He said: "My background is in the fashion business and when I came back to Manchester five years ago after a long stint in London; I decided I wanted to make use of some property that I owned. I have always loved the Northern Quarter's vibrancy but realised there was a lack of good quality and affordable space for young companies. We started with Hilton Square and because of its success, we have developed Swan Square."