Two years ago, this summer, Orbit Developments rebranded their two landmark office buildings in Eccles to what is now 1 & 2 City Approach.

Starting in 2 City Approach, with a concentrated effort towards refurbishment and tailoring suite sizes in accordance with market demand, the building recently reached full occupancy after a spate of transactions totalling 18,000 sq. ft.

This letting success has prompted the same approach to refurbishment to be undertaken at 1 City Approach, which has already seen a floor and a half let in the last six months.

The focus at City Approach is to provide fantastic, value for money office space in an area which already ticks the boxes for office occupiers with regards to transport links, town centre amenities and public transport. This is strengthened by the provision of onsite amenities which includes a coffee lounge, meeting rooms, conference suite, bike hub, lockers, showers and super-fast connectivity.

Dean Richards, Leasing Director at Orbit said: “What we have done over the last two years is to build upon what was already a good specification of office space. The space is air-conditioned, well managed and we progressed this further with a comprehensive reception remodelling, and the introduction of additional site facilities.”

He adds: “The branded Coffee Lounge has been a big hit, providing an area for occupiers to meet, relax, use the free Wi-Fi, and more recently we’ve introduced a  coffee and snack facility.”

“However, we are always looking at what else we can provide for our clients, and the introduction of the conference suite is our latest project. This provides a high quality and professional space that can accommodate up to 50 people – ideal for large AGM meetings or presentations.”

Being affordably positioned and so well connected, City Approach has become a viable alternative business location to Salford, Media City and indeed the city centre.

The series of transactions has come from a variety of sources, with not only companies coming in from outside of the area, but also current occupiers looking to expand. It’s a varied business hub with 43 different business now calling City Approach their home.

Marine engineering company SRO Solutions were one of the buildings’ early occupiers. Managing Director Tony Lackey said: “Eccles is a fantastic location, we’re right on the M602 which gives us a direct route into Manchester city centre as well as connections to the M60 and M62 – and the biggest benefit is that we don’t have to sit in traffic jams getting into the city centre every morning.”

Last year The Accounts Co moved into Building 2. Peter Rushton, Managing Director of The Accounts Co commented on the decision behind the move:

“Salford and the Eccles area are increasingly vibrant areas to live, work and do business. The emergence of Media City and Salford Quays as powerhouses of creativity and commerce make City Approach an ideal place to base the business as they’re right on our doorstep.”

“The location of City Approach, is exactly that, it’s a gateway into the city and is convenient and easily reached via most transport links. There’s ample and cost-effective parking for our staff and clients, so it seemed like the obvious choice.”

Using a combination of customer feedback and market information to develop a product that is performing exceptionally well for an out-of-town location, interest still remains high at City Approach with companies from as small as 1-2 people up to 250 people being able to be accommodated at the scheme.

Over the past 12 months, new lettings have averaged 1.5 per month at a rate of 350sq.ft per week.

For more information on office availability in 1 City Approach please call Dean Richards on 01625 588 200.