11,750 sq ft of deals completed at Urban Splash Boat Shed

Urban Splash acquired the scheme, which sits alongside the River Irwell, last year. It has since transformed the building’s exterior, replacing a tired 90’s office aesthetic with a striking new external façade; internal works are also ongoing as the company continues to redevelop each unit to create contemporary workspaces for businesses.

Amongst the deals is a 595 sq ft to anchor leisure tenant Lupo; the Italian coffee house and former Manchester Food and Drink Festival winner is relocating from Chapel Street in the city centre, bringing a brilliant new facility to the Boat Shed scheme.

Speaking of the decision to relocate, Lupo founder Nico Pasquali – a 32 year old expert Barista who hails from Rome, said: “We’re really excited to be making this move and to give tenants within the Boat Shed a great place to socialise – as well as somewhere to pop in for their daily coffee.

“We’ve had a great experience working with Urban Splash who have accommodated all of our requirements during the fit-out process. We cannot wait to open and to become a part of this brilliant commercial community.”

Other lettings have been agreed with the Training Room, Care UK and Environmental Services Design – the company had formerly been an Urban Splash tenant at Fort Dunlop in Birmingham. Collectively these businesses have taken almost 9,285 sq ft at the scheme. Existing tenant Lebara has renewed its lease and a further unit is under offer.

Reflecting on the deals, Urban Splash commercial manager Nicky Harries said: “I’m really pleased to welcome these new tenants into our portfolio. In typical Urban Splash manner, they each hail from a range of industries, helping us create a diverse and interesting community at Boat Shed.

“The scheme is in a brilliant location – with Salford Quays having transformed into one of the North West’s most appealing commercial districts in recent years. I’m really looking forward to finalising more of the space we currently have under offer.”

The lettings came even before the company had officially launched the building; it was unveiled to more than 50 North West agents this week, each of whom was given a tour of freshly designed spaces, a tenants common room, breakout space and meeting room facilities. Each agent was sent home with their very own #BoatShed branded remote controlled speed boat.

Urban Splash commercial director Emily Handslip concluded: “As a business, we have been focused on our acquisition strategy, whilst also updating our existing portfolio. This means that we are staying ahead of the market and going beyond expectations by providing all of the facilities and workspace community that contemporary businesses need – common rooms, communal spaces, cafes, breakout space, meeting rooms, bike racks or showers, we are creating incredible spaces to work within amazing buildings."

Anyone wishing to view the office space at the Boat Shed or enquire about space in Manchester or Liverpool, should contact Aimee Cavanagh space@urbansplash.co.uk.