Telecommunications firm Virgin Media is edging closer to picking new premises in Manchester after shortlisting four offices as it looks to relocate from Manchester Airport.
CoStar News understands that Virgin Media is looking in and out-of-town for around 50,000 square feet, having instructed CBRE to handle its long-term relocation aspirations. The firm's lease at its Wythenshawe offices, Concorde House, expires in 2026.
Market sources have told CoStar News that the business is keeping its options open, having previously been interested in Eden at New Bailey in the city centre, according to local media sources.
The two city centre offices on Virgin's radar include Bruntwood SciTech's No 3 Circle Square development, where Auto Trader is on track to take 130,000 square feet, as revealed by CoStar News. Construction work started at No 3 Circle Square in June and it is the latest building to be developed at the Manchester Oxford Road Corridor innovation district.
Island is the other city centre office property. The circa 100,000-square-foot scheme is the product of joint venture partners Greater Manchester Pension Fund and developer HBD. The building is HBD's first Net Zero Carbon building and is aiming for a 5.5* NABERS rating
Out-of-town, Virgin is looking at Stockport Exchange and at Towers Business Park in Didsbury. The latter has attracted several sizeable lettings recently, including 14,948 square feet taken by software company Conferma Pay at Ocean House.
At Stockport Exchange, three buildings already host tenants such as Stagecoach, musicMagpie, Holiday Inn Express, Sainsbury’s, BASF, Industrials REIT and Hurst. Developer Muse is also looking to add an additional 60,000 square feet of offices at a fourth building.
A Virgin Media spokesperson told CoStar News: "We regularly review our property portfolio to ensure it best meets the needs of the business. We are exploring a range of options in Manchester, and no final decisions have been made."
Virgin Media's requirement is one of many in the Manchester market at the minute, with CoStar News reporting last week that German firm Siemens is looking for around 55,000 square feet as it prepares to move out of Didsbury's Sir William Siemens House, which it is selling. CBRE is instructed on that property.
CBRE was approached for comment.
(Updated on 23 May 2024 to add size of requirement.)