A new 200,000 sq ft office block has been granted planning permission in a prime location, next to Victoria Station in Manchester.
The new office block in Salford which is set to open in 2014, will also feature 445 car parking spaces.
The new office block scheme is called ‘The Embankment Greengate scheme’ and is being developed by Ask Developments who are working alongside Network Rail. It is believed that planning permission was granted so swiftly because the area is in need of a major regeneration, so it was in Salford city council’s best interest to approve the scheme. Alan Burke Director at Ask Developments stated, “The continued strength of the occupier market in the city centre and the lack of new Grade A space likely to be available in 2013/14 gives both Salford city council and ourselves the confidence that now is the right time to be planning speculative development.”
The scheme hopes to create an exciting new business area in Salford, which will not only attract local businesses but also those further afield. With the new office block so close to the train station it has the potential to be a prime spot for businesses wanting modern office space, as David Biggs, Property Director at Network Rail expressed, “The number of people using Manchester Victoria is set to double by 2019. This development, along with our plans for the station, will be key to the wider regeneration of the north of the city.” But with train fares on the increase and the ever unreliable train service, will businesses be willing to pay to commute to the office? Philip Hammond, Transport Secretary thinks so as, “People who use the railways on average have significantly higher income than the rest of the population as a whole.” So commuters should have no problem paying the increase on rail fares according to the Transport Secretary.
Office space in Salford is not the only development that is happening in the area. Movehut reported earlier this month that the city has plans to extend the famous Salford Shopping Centre. The plans include extending the commercial property with 13 double-height stores and also refurbishing the market hall. Debbie Illingworth spokeswomen for Salford Estates expressed, “These changes will transform the shopping experience at the centre. Big brand retailers demand modern, double height shops and by providing these together with some smaller units and significantly improved space for the market traders we can expand the range of shops on offer in areas like sports and fashion.”
It is too early to tell what impacts the new office block will bring to the city of Salford, but the developers and critics think only positive implications will arise. Like us, you will have to wait and see.
