The Arts Council makes a bee-line for The Hive

Argent has agreed a 1,672 sq m (18,000 sq ft) pre-let with Arts Council England at The Hive office development in Stevenson Square.

The announcement follows the news that Argent and Manchester City Council have entered into a joint venture agreement to kick-start the first phase of The Hive scheme at Stevenson Square, in the heart of the Northern Quarter, Manchester.

The 7,060 sq m (78,000 sq ft) development, designed by HKR, will provide a unique, flexible workspace for the creative industries and will continue to act as a magnet for inward investment as more and more businesses relocate to the city.

David Partridge, joint chief executive at Argent said: “The news that Arts Council England will be committing to the new development is fantastic for the Northern Quarter and the city as a whole. In entering into the joint venture with us to deliver this project, Manchester City Council has illustrated its ability to back vital regeneration, and without it, the plans would not be progressing at this pace.”

Micheal Eakin, Regional Executive Director, Arts Council England North West said, "This marks an exciting moment for the Arts Council. The Hive will give us a great new base from which to continue to deliver to the region, and it will enable us to house nearly 60 new jobs in the City. It feels right for us to be based in the heart of the creative Northern Quarter, to contribute to its continuing growth and to work with a developer like Argent to create a greener, more sustainable office space.”