Cinema operator ODEON is to take the whole third floor (26,285 sq ft) at No.8 First Street, Manchester at £29.50 per sq ft.

ODEON is to move its team from two floors in Lee House, 90 Great Bridgewater Street, where they have been for over 20 years, onto the single floor at the new 170,000 sq ft Grade A building.

Ken Taylor, Group Property Director, Odeon said: “As we upgrade our cinemas across Europe to give our guests the best experience, our colleagues also need a truly modern and comfortable working environment. The generous floor plate at No.8 First Street will allow us to create collaborative space and facilities that support ODEON’s identity and values.”

“The location is fantastic. Not only are we a couple of minutes’ walk to the Deansgate/Castlefield Metrolink tram stop and Oxford Road train station, but there’s an abundance of great facilities at First Street for our colleagues to enjoy with some of the city’s best bars and restaurants.”

Dan Williams, Head of Development at PATRIZIA in the UK, said: “ODEON is a great addition to our line-up tenants at No.8 First Street which will act as an excellent location for them. The building itself is due to complete within the next month – Gazprom is now in occupation on the fifth and sixth floors while WSP is currently fitting out the first and second floors which will complete in October when they move in 850 staff. We have strong interest in the final remaining fourth floor.”

Mark Baldwin, Associate Director at GVA who advised on the letting and manages the scheme on behalf of GMPF, added: “ODEON is another great name joining Gazprom and WSP at No.8 First Street. The location is perfect for the team as it is at the cultural heart of the city with neighbouring HOME and an array of bars, restaurants and leisure offerings at Tony Wilson Place. ODEON were attracted by the large open floorplates and the fantastic winter gardens, which are unique in the city, along with the easy access for staff from the city’s main transport hubs. We look forward to welcoming them later this month and we will be marketing the final remaining 4th floor at No.8.”

Andrew Cowell, transactions and asset management, OBI said: “We worked closely with ODEON to find them a new suitable home in Manchester and No.8 First Street fitted their bill to a tee. Being on one floor will support open innovation, collaboration and growth and the building will provide them with an impressive presence in the heart of one Manchester’s thriving new districts.”

Designed by Fletcher Priest Architects No.8 First Street has achieved BREEAM Excellent rating.

OBI and DWF represented Odeon. GVA, Savills and Metis are joint agents on No 8 First Street on behalf of GMPF and PATRIZIA with Ask Real Estate acting as development manager.