National logistics developer db symmetry has reaffirmed its commitment to growth across the north with the announcement that the company is to move its Manchester headquarters to Victoria Buildings on Albert Square in Manchester city centre.
The company will relocate from its existing residence at Old Bank Chambers, in St Anne’s Square, to take the 4th floor and mezzanine comprising 2,662 sq ft of Grade A space on a 10-year lease. Located in the heart of the city, the Grade II listed building is owned by LJ Real Estate and is home to occupiers including Royal British Legion Occupier and Lyons Wilson.
Built in 1877, Victoria Buildings forms part of the Albert Estate, a community of dynamic businesses based in four iconic properties around Manchester’s Albert Square. The building, which was designed in the Gothic style by Manchester-based architects Pennington and Bridgen, has been fully restored with workspaces fit for modern business needs.
LJ Real Estate was represented on the deal by OBI Property, the joint leasing advisors with JLL on Victoria Buildings.
Andrew Cowell, Transactions and Asset Management, OBI Property said: “It is great news DB Symmetry is moving to Victoria Buildings. The building is home to a diverse range of businesses and it is great to see it now fully occupied.”
The new office move, which will take place in June, follows on from two senior appointments in the last six months at db symmetry. In March, Matt Claxton came on board as the company’s associate planning director and in December Paul Chatterjee was appointed as development director.
db symmetry has a land portfolio of 3,100 acres, comprising over 1,000 acres /15.4 m sq ft consented for logistics use, with a further 2,074 acres being promoted through the planning process for logistics use.
The logistics specialist is currently bringing forward developments across the north including: MA6NITUDE, a 600,000 sq ft manufacturing and logistics scheme, in Middlewich, which is due for completion in 2019; the development of a 54-acre site at Symmetry Park, Doncaster, and a 90-acre site which is currently being promoted in Darlington, North East.
Speaking about the new office relocation, Andrew Dickman, director at db symmetry, commented: “Relocating to Victoria Buildings is a key strategic move for us as we continue to drive forward with our growth ambitions across the north.
“Albert Square is a thriving hub at the centre of Manchester’s business and commercial district and is ideally suited for our business’ needs. As well as being located in a highly popular and sought-after destination, the building has been fitted out to an incredibly impressive standard- so it ticks every box.”