A new 10-year lease for almost 43,000 square feet of space for education group Arden University in Manchester was one of the biggest leasing deals of 2023, earning it a CoStar Impact award.
The specialist online learning provider's move consolidates and expands its space in the city. The property at 2 Hardman Street is owned by Hansainvest Real Estate.
JLL project-managed the refurbishment of 2 Hardman Street from its early planning stages, with a focus on sustainability and quality amenities, including a ground floor coffee bar and lounge, wellness and yoga spaces, and bike storage. JLL’s planning team also secured the change of use for Arden. The reception area incorporates a "living wall" feature.
About the Project: "As well as bringing our people together under one roof, we will now have the room to grow, collaborate and educate," said Bojan Manevski, deputy chief commercial officer at Arden University.
What the Judges Said: "The Arden University letting required the owner to refurbish an older 20+ year building to bring it back to modern day standards, required a change to the planning use with [Manchester City Council] and then was also the largest letting deal of the year, so was a multi-faceted, accomplished achievement." said James Porteous, director – capital markets, JLL
They Made it Happen: James Devany, director – national office agency, and Rhys Evans, associate director, office agency, both at JLL, represented the landlord. Mark Kleinman, director, James Andrew International, represented the tenant.
