Edwards & Co secures letting to Amaze plc at Bluetree’s historic building, Chapel Studios Castlefield.
Advised by Edwards & Co, Amaze plc, the pan-European marketing and technology company has secured a new lease on the former Chapel Studios building in Castlefield.
Amaze plc, part of The Hasgrove Group, will occupy the whole of the landmark building in its entirety which will extend to 12,000sqft together with onsite car parking.
A former church, the building sits on one of the major gateways into the city centre at the south end of Deansgate in Castlefield. The grade II listed former ‘Knott Mill Chapel’ was designed by Edward Waitress who was also responsible for the design of the city’s historic Free Trade Hall.
The site has achieved modern notoriety as the 80’s home of pop ‘hit men’ Stock, Aitken and Waterman who used the building’s basement to record many of their hits, including Rick Astley’s ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’. The developer, Bluetree Estates, acquired the property from producer Pete Waterman himself in 2006.
Bluetree will now commence with a comprehensive refurbishment programme to provide a unique working environment specifically tailored to Amaze’s bespoke criteria. Modern contemporary office space will combine with the original features and character of the building which in turn will take full advantage of the historic views across the Castlefield canal basin.
Rod Hyde, chief executive of The Hasgrove Group commented, “Combining our digital marketing, technology, advertising and PR specialisms under one roof will offer a single destination where our clients can find the creativity and communications expertise they require. There is a major need in the business to develop synergies and these will come more easily whilst working under one roof and collaborating fully.
“The brief to the developer is to provide a suitable location to facilitate our philosophy; to provide an inspiring base where connected specialists can thrive.”
David Laws of Edwards & Co comments, “Due to the nature of the Amaze business we had been looking extensively for an unusual style of property which is full of character to provide a creative and stimulating working environment. The Chapel provides an excellent opportunity for the new Amaze business to synergize its operations and creativity in a unique working environment. We are pleased to be a part of the team to bring this derelict and historic building back to the 21st Century.”
WHR Property LLP and TFC acted on behalf of Blue Tree.