The purchase of Square One on Travis Street marks HS2’s second major property acquisition in the city centre in just over 12 months, following its purchase of the Store Street site in April 2021.
Both sites are pivotal to the creation of the new high speed station that will be built adjacent to the existing Piccadilly Station.
Early works supporting construction of the new Piccadilly high speed station are not forecast to commence until at least 2025. HS2 has agreed leasehold terms with Square One’s existing tenants to enable them to remain in situ until the site is required.
Manchester’s new station is forecast to open between 2035 and 2040 and includes six platforms at surface level, allowing passengers to access both HS2 and future NPR services. The plans also include provision for a new four platform Metrolink station beneath the HS2 station.
Ruth Todd, chief commercial officer at HS2 said: “Following submission of the Bill earlier this year, seeking powers to construct and operate the railway between Crewe and Manchester, this acquisition represents another major milestone in our programme to bring high speed rail to the North.
“HS2’s purchase of Square One is a vote of confidence for investors locally and internationally to leverage the wider regeneration potential of the surrounding area, knowing that Manchester is set to become so brilliantly connected.”
A large proportion of the area surrounding Piccadilly station is underdeveloped, making it a prime location for investment in new commercial space, housing and public realm.
Investment would see businesses, residents and visitors benefit from a 41-minute connection to Birmingham with direct services from London Euston set to more than halve, cutting one hour and 12 minutes off the current fastest journey time.
Bruntwood will use the proceeds to continue investing in the UK’s regional centres.
