FIRST STREET has gained a major letting after securing Auto Trader as a tenant.

The take up of 60,000 sq ft will enable Auto Trader to move its 600 strong North West team to one central location.

Number One First Street, the existing Grade A office building on Ask's 3 million sq ft mixed use development at First Street, is now almost two-thirds let following the Auto Trader deal.

The take up of 60,000 sq ft on a 15 year lease across 2.5 floors in Number One First Street will enable Auto Trader to move its 600 strong North West team – currently spread over seven sites – to one central location.

Following fit-out of the space, which includes four cars and two vans into the building’s workspace, Auto Trader will complete occupancy in May 2014.

Auto Trader will be joining engineering services provider Jacobs and digital marketing consultancy Amaze in Number One First Street.  Jacobs signed a 10-year lease agreement to take 23,526 sq ft and will complete its move to First Street in June 2014.

John Hughes, Managing Director of Ask Developments, commented, “We are delighted to welcome Auto Trader to Number One First Street and also to kick-start the new year with a 60,000 sq ft letting. We are also hopeful of being in a position to announce further letting news in the coming weeks.

“The strong performance and interest in Number One First Street clearly proves that the ambitious First Street development will be a key driver for Manchester in the years to come and will provide attractive opportunities for both existing and inward occupiers to the City Centre.

 “Our existing building will soon be part of a new cultural neighbourhood, anchored by HOME, the merged Cornerhouse and Library Theatre Company, a project  which represents £75m of investment in offices, restaurants, retail, leisure and residential space when this  phase completes in  April 2015."

The ease of access to Oxford Road Station and to Princess Parkway and points west was a major factor in Auto Trader's decision to move; as was the increased visibility and ability to network that a major city centre offers.