Marks and Spencer sign-up for office space at Spinningfields
Marks & Spencer has taken a 15-year, 21,000 square foot lease on a building in Manchester’s Spinningfields office district, the largest city centre office scheme in the UK.
The retailer has taken a floor at Allied London’s 3 Hardman Street in Manchester for a Business Service Centre in Allied London’s 350,000 sq ft building.
M&S will use the space for its business service centre, which provides its finance and support functions. Around 200 staff will occupy the space after moving from offices in Salford Quays.
The store chain said the employees, who work in its business and finance support departments and do not deal directly with customers, would begin a phased move in the summer.
The building now has 93 per cent occupancy within 12 months of completion and is already home to the Bank of New York Mellon, Pinsent Masons, Shoosmiths, Barclays, the General Medical Council and BDO.
Though no new jobs will be immediately created by the move, a company spokesman said the premises were chosen in part because they gave space for growth if needed.
Gary Critchley, M&S’s head of business services, said: “We are excited to confirm our business service centre will be moving to 3 Hardman Street. The building’s innovative design, city centre location and excellent transport links are key to us offering our employees and attractive environment in which to work. This move will further strengthen M&S’s business presence in the local area.”
Mike Ingall, chief executive of Allied London, said: “This building is the best office building outside of London and is a great asset for Manchester. I expect it to continue to attract keen tenant interest from those organisations that require an excellent working environment and great amenities for its management and staff.”