Online beauty and wellbeing business The Hut Group has announced plans to develop new headquarters totalling nearly a million square feet near Manchester Airport.
The Manchester-headquartered firm will develop what it describes as a “landmark” 16.8-acre business campus, THQ, as well as an 11.6-acre content creation studio, ICON, which will support up to 10,000 jobs.
It says it is the largest development ever by a North West company and the UK’s largest bespoke office development outside London.
After reaching agreement with Airport City Manchester, THG said it plans to invest more than $1bn in the region over the next three years.
Airport City Manchester’s joint venture partners will act on behalf of THG as the project developer, working in partnership with creative executive architect Penson.
A planning application has been submitted with construction scheduled to begin in early 2019.
“THQ is a landmark development for THG and another important step in our growth story,” said founder and CEO Matthew Moulding.
“As we continue to extend our global footprint, it makes sense for us to base our headquarters at Airport City in Manchester, with its global connections and access to talent and supply chains worldwide.
“THQ and ICON cement our position as a significant player and employer in the UK and we look forward to expanding even further from here, attracting and retaining the most innovative and inventive talent from across the globe.”
Charlie Cornish, CEO of MAG and Airport City JV partner, added: “As a technology-led, eCommerce business with a significant international footprint, THG is the ideal anchor occupier for the first phase of Airport City Manchester, which will bring significant job creation to the region and further emphasise our position as a hub for international commerce.
“We have worked closely with THG to help the company establish its initial presence at Airport City Manchester and will develop our relationship to deliver what will be the largest office development deal outside London for over 20 years.
“This is a major boost for the delivery of Airport City, where we still have 60 acres of land available to deliver a further 2m sq. ft. of business space.”
THG already has 1,000 staff based at offices at Manchester Airport.
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This is in every sense a big deal and we are delighted to have an international company of this importance headquartered in Airport City.
“THG’s arrival provides further impetus for Airport City as a hub for jobs and investment. Today’s announcement is a major vote of confidence in the city.”