Capital & Centric secures first occupier at Foundry

Capital & Centric has finished its 47,000 sq ft Foundry development in Salford, formerly known as Digital Village, and has sold 7,300 sq ft in two units to music video producer The Gate Films.

Built by Williams Tarr, the previously derelict plot opposite the grade one-listed Ordsall Hall, is now the site of 12 business units and a public boulevard. Designed by architects SixTwo, the units are designed to be super energy efficient.

According to Capital & Centric, the developer has a further 33,000 sq ft at the Foundry under offer, with announcements due to be made in the coming weeks.

The public boulevard running through the centre of the development links the Manchester Ship Canal towpath to Ordsall Hall on Ordsall Lane. A pontoon for a new water taxi is proposed at the end of the boulevard once the taxi service is in place.

The project has been part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, providing more than £1.1m of investment.

First occupier The Gate Films is fitting out its two units as sound stages for the creation and production of TV and film content.

Tim Heatley, co-founder of Capital & Centric, said: “Our design-led approach has been the key to the success of the scheme, it’s allowed us to be selective over the occupier mix, the incoming businesses really value the aesthetic we’ve achieved. We’ve created hybrid work spaces for new ways of working and that’s evidenced by the exciting businesses we’re attracting. It’s great to have completed a super new scheme in my home city of Salford.”

Joint agents CBRE and LSH have been appointed to sell the business units.