Russell told me he had three key items on his wish list for RLB’s move back to the city centre. Firstly, an address that made a statement about his firm’s intent. Secondly, an office that staff and clients would love to work in and thirdly, a deal that made financial sense. I knew immediately we had a challenge on our hands. So, did we do it?
After more than a decade of being based in Salford Quays, international cost consultancy and project managers RLB decided that it was time to move back to Manchester City Centre.
The firm’s new managing partner in Manchester, Russell Bolton, was determined to secure a location that would help the firm raise its profile and at the same time, accommodate future growth and new collaborative work styles.
The brief we took meant that RLB needed something a bit different. They wanted their move to reflect their ambition and an address that would be easy for their clients to navigate to. They wanted the building to have character and for it to be a memorable place to visit. They also wanted to create an environment that would allow their staff to work more flexibly and collaboratively.
Our initial property search focused on Grade A buildings within the traditional core. However, nothing really stood out. At one point it became apparent that the requirement for a fully manned reception which usually forms part of a Grade A specification, was not necessarily a deal breaker for RLB. The majority of their project meetings are planned well in advance so it was possible they could work around this. It was the relaxing of this criterion that allowed us to consider One King Street. Once Russell and the rest of the RLB team had inspected, we knew the fit was right.
Interestingly, one of the other benefits that One King Street offered was its lack of car parking. That is right, its lack of parking. RLB’s staff had access to free parking at their previous location so one of the natural concerns over a move to the City Centre was always going to be parking and more particularly, who would be entitled to a parking space. The fact that One King Street is devoid of a car park, has avoided any such arguments.
As for the building, well it is Grade II-listed featuring retail tenants such as Boodles and Waterstones on its lower floors and air-conditioned offices above. The latter have their own dedicated entrance onto King Street branded ‘One King Street’.
King Street is one of the most important thoroughfares of Manchester. It was once the centre of the North West’s banking industry. Nowadays it is characterised by luxury boutiques, stylish offices and up-market restaurants.
When it comes to having a memorable address in this part of the world, it is difficult to beat One King Street.
As Russell says, "This is a fantastic step for our growing office and demonstrates our commitment to Manchester. This move places RLB right at the heart of this vibrant and dynamic city".
If you would like advice on an office relocation either in Manchester or elsewhere in the UK, please call Martyn Markland on 0161 457 1422 or email him at mm@tenantag.co.uk.