Plans Follow Sale of Salford Office Complex Last Year

Details of the £10m refurbishment of the Exchange Quay office complex in Salford Quays have today been revealed.

Hunter Real Estate Investment Managers, which purchased the site last November on behalf of a US institutional client, has submitted plans modernising the 433,637 sq ft development.

The planning application seeks permission to refurbish six buildings with new entrances, reception and common areas, lifts and facilities.

The work, which is expected to take 12 months to complete, includes external sheltered seating,  a restaurant and a gymnasium.

David Holt, divisional director at Keppie Design Manchester and appointed architect for Exchange Quay, added: "The design brief for Exchange Quay was to provide a modern, efficient and attractive working environment, both internally and externally, and to make the development more accessible, sustainable and prominent.

"The application has been designed to achieve this brief and we have also endeavoured to maximise Exchange Quay's fantastic riverside location."

Iain Leheny, fund manager at Hunter, said: "Since the acquisition of Exchange Quay we have been working hard with our entire project team to master-plan the development and determine how to maximise its immense potential. In addition to producing some of the best quality office space in Greater Manchester, we want to create a superb, vibrant environment that all our occupiers can enjoy and be proud of.

"The application demonstrates our firm commitment to creating a development of excellence and we look forward to commencing work on site in due course."

Expert Opinion

These plans look exciting and if approved will represent a significant boost for Exchange Quay. The site has huge potential and this modernisation and refurbishment will strengthen its ability to attract leading organisations. <br/> <br/>“Salford Quays has generated significant investment in the last ten years and this looks set to continue. MediaCity has for example been a huge success and I expect that we will see the area flourish in the future with further improvements in local infrastructure. <br/> <br/>“Exchange Quay is in the heart of Salford Quays and is ideally placed to take advantage of the growing demand for high quality office space within Greater Manchester.” <br/> Roy Beckett - Partner