The Hut Group’s ground-breaking HQ at Manchester’s Airport City has received the green light from planning bosses.
Online beauty and wellbeing business THG announced plans to develop new headquarters totalling nearly a million square feet earlier this year and these have now been approved.
The Manchester-headquartered firm will develop what it describes as a “landmark” 16.8-acre business campus, THQ, as well as an 11.6-acre content creation studio, ICON, which will support up to 10,000 jobs.
It says it is the largest development ever by a North West company and the UK’s largest bespoke office development outside London.
After reaching agreement with Airport City Manchester, THG said it plans to invest more than $1bn in the region over the next three years.
Airport City Manchester’s joint venture partners will act on behalf of THG as the project developer, working in partnership with creative executive architect Penson.
Adam White, director of commercial and business development, MAG Property and Airport City JV Partner, said: “The Hut Group is one of the world’s largest online beauty and wellbeing businesses, and we are excited to continue moving forward towards delivering a truly world-class business campus that will bring a critical mass of up to 10,000 people to the site as the scheme’s first major anchor.
“We’ve also seen a significant uplift in occupier interest, so the two new office buildings will help to cater for this future demand, as well as addressing the lack of supply of Grade A office accommodation in the city region, bringing a total of 184,000 sq ft of office space to the market.
“Progress at Airport City Manchester is now truly gathering pace and alongside our plans for a new £250m hotel district and the unrivalled growth of the airport, 2019 is set to be a hugely significant year in the creation of this new commercial business hub in the North of England.”