Hunter Real Estate Investment Managers has announced completion of its £10 million programme to update the 433,637sq ft Exchange Quay office development in Salford.
American investors Hunter took over Exchange Quay in November 2013.
Since then they’ve invested in upgrading the six office tower blocks to Grade A standard.
An outdoor remodelling also includes a new restaurant with live cooking theatre, a Costa Coffee outlet and a Londis retail store.
A new Post Office is expected to open on site by mid-2016.
Exchange Quay’s six office buildings range from 26,151 sq ft to 116,684 sq ft.
The development boasts its own Metrolink tram stop and is located just off Trafford Road which links Salford Quays to both Manchester city centre and the major motorway networks via the M602.
Since this time last year, Exchange Quay’s agency team of Canning O’Neill and Savills has already secured 10 deals totalling almost 60,000 sq ft to relocating and existing occupiers.
More Double coup for Exchange Quay as GlaxoSmithKline and Boxchange take 11,000sq ft
Exchange Quay: Three more firms sign up for 16,000sq ft office deals
Read: TalkTalk and Home Office agree huge Salford Soapworks move
Hunter appointed contract caterering firm Elior on a five-year deal to manage the new amenities at Exchange Quay.
As part of its contract Elior will supply hospitality for meetings, events and functions.
Jeremy Birkett-Jones, investment director at Hunter, said: “Right from the outset we recognised the immense potential in Exchange Quay, which was once regarded as the ‘Canary Wharf of the North’.
“It was clear to us that such a prestigious scheme in an unrivalled location in the North West would respond to a dedicated investment programme to modernise the office accommodation and create a whole new environment.
“We have engaged with all the relevant local bodies and worked closely with our design, site and agency teams since the acquisition to ensure that the finished product matches the market demand and this has already been confirmed in the initial lettings we have secured prior to completion of the works.”
James Evans, Director of office agency at Savills, continues: “The Grade A offices at Exchange Quay are hitting the North West office market at just the right time, as occupier confidence has returned and supply is diminishing.
“The transformation has been about so much more than just the office suites, it has addressed the key factor on occupiers’ wish lists – the provision of the right environment for staff and visitors.
“This, coupled with the accessibility via road and public transport in addition to extensive on-site car parking, has culminated in a very exciting opportunity for the regional office market.”
