2014 followed on from a successful year for the Warrington & environs office market, and momentum has continued with 173,723 sq ft of office transactions reported in the first 6 months of 2014.

The most notable transactions of 2014 so far has been the letting of Appleton House in Birchwood, where the America footwear giant New Balance have taken a lease on the 30,000 sq ft HQ building, and the 54,000 sq ft lease assignment at 3300 Daresbury Park to Ombudsman Services. Simon Roddam of Warrington property consultancy BE Group, and spokesperson for Manchester Office Agents Forum (MOAF), commented “The Warrington & environs office market has made a steady recovery since the economic slump of 2010. 2013 was an exceptional year and the first half of 2014 has showed continued momentum with take up figures showing a 34% increase on the previous year at the same point”.

Simon Roddam added “Warrington’s geographical location at the heart of the regional motorway network, coupled with its quality commercial property offer, continues to attract businesses. We anticipate take up to continue to pick up towards the end of 2014, with a number large occupier movements still due to drop before the end of the year”.

Leasehold transactions accounted for 80% of the overall take up for the half year, however a noteworthy level of owner occupier demand has transacted, with 8 deals recorded in total.

The MOAF exists to promote better knowledge of the Manchester City Region office market, providing accurate market statistics and informed market commentary.

Formed in 2009, its current members include BE Group, CBRE, Canning O’Neill, Colliers International, Cushman & Wakefield, DTZ, Edwards & Co, GVA, Jones Lang LaSalle, Knight Frank, Lambert Smith Hampton, Matthews & Goodman, OBI Property, Savills, TSG Property Consultants, and WHR.