BDO takes 23,000 sq ft at ECF’s Eden 

Following law firm TLT in committing to the distinctive 12-storey Salford office building, the accountancy and business advisory firm has signed for three floors.

BDO is relocating its Manchester office to 23,000 sq ft at English Cities Fund’s £36m Eden from 3 Hardman Street in Spinningfields. 

The decision to plump for Eden, billed as one of the UK’s greenest buildings, was driven by BDO’s net zero ambitions. 

The firm’s transition to net zero involves a near-term target of halving its absolute scope one and two greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. 

“We are committed to sustainable growth as a firm and in how we advise our economic engine clients,” said Angela Cross, regional managing partner for BDO in the North West. 

“With its innovative design and sustainability credentials, Eden is the perfect address to support BDO’s future success in the region,” Cross added. “I look forward to welcoming our fantastic team of around 500 people to this state-of-the art facility next spring.” 

Eden boasts a host of sustainability credentials, including NABERS 5.5*, and features a living façade that ECF claims delivers a 174% net gain in the biodiversity of the area. 

In addition, the amount of embodied carbon within the 115,000 sq ft building has been limited during construction to less than 700kg/CO2/sqm. Traditional office buildings contain around 1,000kg/CO2/sqm. 

“BDO absolutely shares our values around delivering a brighter, more sustainable future for all,” said Ella Woodward, development manager at ECF. 

“Together with our partners, we’ve truly pushed the envelope with Eden to see what can be achieved when we work together with a common goal.” 

BDO plans to move into the building early next year. 

In January, TLT became the first firm to take space at Eden, signing for 20,000 sq ft on the top two floors. 

Like BDO, TLT will also relocate from Spinningfields once Eden completes. 

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “Eden features Europe’s largest living green wall, made up of over 350,000 plants, and is ultra-low energy by being net zero in operation. 

“This has helped to put Salford on the global map once again and I hope that BDO and their employees enjoy the huge benefits from working here.” 

Retained letting agents on the building are JLL, Cushman and Wakefield, and OBI. Rob Yates at Cushman & Wakefield acted on behalf of BDO in the acquisition.