Kings Point aims to plug quality gap

A LANDMARK office development that benfited from “significant” Oldham Economic Development Zone funds will transform the face of Oldham office accommodation.

That is the claim of the developers of Kings Point, which sits on the site of the former TSB Bank, which later became Megson Ponsonby’s legal offices, and the Apple car repair centre in King Street.

Oldham councillors, members of the Greater Manchester Property Venture Fund (GMPVF) and directors from leading property adviser GVA Grimley were at the official opening — and marked the occasion with a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The 35,000 sq ft development is an attempt to halt business migration to Manchester city centre.

Nick Whipp, director at GVA Grimley and chief adviser to the GMPVF, detects a marked improvement in the marketability of the area.

He said: “Following a rolling programme of regeneration in Oldham, Kings Point has delivered a high quality office facility that is much needed in the area.

“The borough has witnessed a notable improvement in its education facilities and residential schemes over the last couple of years, which has ultimately impacted on the type of businesses attracted to the area by the promise of a strong and diverse labour pool.”

Ray Granger, from the GMPVF, added: “The GMPVF identified Oldham town centre as a key area that was void of any high quality office accommodation.

“Recent regeneration in the centre and much improved transport links presented a unique opportunity to deliver an exciting new office scheme to cater for growing demand.”