GlaxoSmithkline and Boxchange sign-up at Exchange Quay

Hunter Real Estate Investment Managers (Hunter) has secured a further two lettings totalling 11,230 sq ft at the 433,637 sq ft Exchange Quay office development in Salford Quays.

GlaxoSmithkline Research & Development Ltd (GSK), a leading international science-led global healthcare company, has signed a deal for 9,830 sq ft in Number 4. JLL acted on behalf of GSK. The company is relocating from serviced office accommodation at the Digital World Centre in Media City.

In addition, Boxchange Associates has signed a 5 year lease for 1,400 sq ft. Boxchange are highly experienced change agents delivering complex and cross-functional change programmes to leading organisations across all major sectors. Boxchange are relocating from Peter House on Oxford Street in Manchester City Centre.

The deals to new tenants GSK and Boxchange follow on from four additional recent lettings totalling over 13,000 sq ft to new occupiers Wurth Electronics and North West Employers, and existing occupiers, international consultancy RPS and marketing agency K2L.

Exchange Quay’s agents, Canning O’Neill, Matthews & Goodman and Savills are now quoting £16 psf on new lettings in-line with the improved market conditions.

Exchange Quay is currently undergoing a £10M refurbishment programme to upgrade the six office buildings to Grade A specification, extensively remodel the whole public realm and create a vibrant working environment through the introduction of a range of occupier facilities. The full works are set to complete in Q3 2015.

Mark Canning, director at Canning O’Neill, said; “We are delighted to have attracted these high-profile occupiers to Exchange Quay and anticipate further deals to follow as we get closer to completion of the remodelling works.”

Andrew Moffat, fund manager at Hunter, said; “The addition of two new occupiers to Exchange Quay shows a continued commitment to the new-look development. Work is progressing well on-site and we look forward to welcoming and retaining more occupiers in due course.”

Exchange Quay’s six office buildings range from 26,151 sq ft to 116,684 sq ft. The development, which also boasts its own dedicated Metrolink tram stop, is strategically located just off Trafford Road which links Salford Quays to both Manchester City Centre and the major motorway networks via the M602.