Henry Boot’s property investment arm secures new Manchester base

Property developer Henry Boot Developments has expanded its North West presence after snapping up space at 26 Cross Street in Manchester.

Along with its sister company, Hallam Land Management, the firm has signed up for 2,161 sq ft of space at the site, taking the whole of the eighth floor.

Built in the 1930s, the 21,500 sq ft 26 Cross Street building was recently given a £3m makeover by its owners, Catalyst Capital.

Director Adam Brady is head of the Manchester office at Henry Boot Developments, which is part of construction group Henry Boot plc.

Commenting on the deal, he said: “Moving into 26 Cross Street is going to be great for our Manchester team as we take our presence here to new levels in the next couple of years.

“We’re actively looking for new development opportunities where we can add real value, whether in our own right or in joint venture with others.”

Property consultants Bilfinger GVA acted for Catalyst Capital in the deal, while Henry Boot remained unrepresented.

Bilfinger GVA’s Manchester-based senior director, Chris Cheap, commented: “We are very pleased to welcome Henry Boot Developments to 26 Cross Street.

“Its commitment to the building is testament to what Catalyst Capital and its advisers set out to provide when they commenced refurbishment, which was to create a unique boutique-style offer within the heart of the city at an affordable rental level.”

He continued: “This letting follows on swiftly from Toscafund taking the sixth floor, and we are confident that this momentum will continue due to the current level of interest.”

Elsewhere, Henry Boot Construction will move from its current base in the city’s Ardwick area to 1 Albert Square, Henry Boot Developments’ former offices. From there, the business will seek to drive growth by targeting an annual construction turnover of £100m.

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