Investec REALIS (“REALIS”), the equity strategy launched last year by Investec has acquired Citygate, a 47,000 sq ft office in the heart of Manchester’s CBD.
In line with REALIS’s strategy of working alongside best-in-class operating partners, XLB will be responsible for asset managing the property, alongside sourcing future acquisition opportunities.
Offering modern and contemporary space in a prominent CBD location, the building underwent a comprehensive refurbishment in 2016 and is currently c. 90% occupied, predominantly by the Secretary of State and Barclays Plc.
REALIS and XLB intend to undertake a further, sustainability-led modernisation of the asset, including improving the amenities and refurbishing the common areas, to deliver a best-in-class scheme that meets modern occupier demand and captures the asset’s significant reversionary potential.
The Manchester CBD office occupational market enjoyed a strong 2024, with Grade-A take-up in Q3 76% higher year-on-year. With a limited development pipeline, prime rents are forecast to increase 18% over next five years.
REALIS launched last year following a period of rapid repricing within select parts of the real estate market. Investors benefit from Investec’s established, data-led deal origination platform, which has enabled it to build a c.£3 billion real estate loan book and strong global network of 150+ operating partners. This transaction is REALIS’s second acquisition, both of which have been of regional offices, reflecting one of its high conviction areas.
Tom Punch, Real Estate Equity Specialist at Investec, commented:
“Recent significant repricing and ongoing dislocations has created a highly favourable time to acquire UK office assets with strong long-term fundamentals and significant reversionary potential. This transaction fits our core strategy for offices and represents our first deal with XLB, who we hope to build a long-term relationship with leveraging their asset management expertise and market insights.”
Stephen Wormald, partner at XLB, added:
“Having established a strong track record in Manchester, we are excited to partner with Investec REALIS to deliver our shared vision for Citygate. With the prime core enjoying the lion’s share of the take up and rental growth in recent years, the building is perfectly situated to benefit from these structural tailwinds.”
Investec REALIS and XLB were advised by CBRE and Addleshaw Goddard.