Bilfinger GVA’s Manchester Agency team has secured a letting at Ardstone Capital’s iconic Ship Canal House, in Manchester City Centre, to Vardags.
The divorce and family solicitors, which acts for and against royalty, sports and media celebrities, billionaires and artists in many of the highest profile divorce cases of the day, has taken 1,384 sq ft on the eighth floor of the Grade II Listed building on King Street. The rent has been agreed on a ten-year lease at a value of £26 per sq ft.
Vardags’ decision to locate in Manchester was driven by the demand for its leading legal services in the region.
Michael Cecil at Ardstone Capital, said: “We are thrilled that such a high profile legal practice has chosen to locate its first office outside of the south east at Ship Canal House. They will make a fantastic addition to the strong line up of tenants that currently occupy the building.”
Chris Cheap, senior director, Bilfinger GVA Manchester, said: “Vardags was looking for space that matched its status as a practice and offered them the best possible occupational solution. We are delighted that Ship Canal House met Vardags’ expectations on both counts.
“The remaining suites in the building provide some of Manchester’s best office space, set against the backdrop of the city’s prime address. This unique combination should not be lost on potential occupiers.”
Ship Canal House, comprising 72,500 sq ft over ten floors, is occupied by notable tenants including Virgin Money, Gateley and the recently opened restaurant group Burger & Lobster.
There are two remaining, fully refurbished suites available to let: 2,400 sq ft on the fourth floor and 6,000 sq ft on the sixth floor.
Vardags Founder and President Ayesha Vardag, known in the media as “Britain’s Top Divorce Lawyer” and “The Diva of divorce”, commented: “This beautiful, historic building, Ship Canal House, provides the location and quality of venue that our high net worth clients expect of us as a leading family law firm. Manchester is a growth area for us, with a high level of demand from the city and surrounding region. We look forward to expanding our presence in the North West from our wonderful new office.”
