UKFast doubles space with £8 million Manchester property

UKFast is doubling the size of its Manchester HQ in a “landmark” property deal. The deal sees the cloud and co-location business secure a further 40,000 sq ft adjacent to its current campus in Manchester Science Park.

UKFast finalised the £8 million-plus purchase of the neighbouring building, currently occupied by Laing O’Rourke, as part of an ambitious expansion plan to house its growing businesses.

UKFast owner Lawrence Jones (pictured) said: “Moving to our current location was a game-changer for us but we have outgrown it sooner than we’d planned.

“Our strategy is to dedicate 30 percent of our space to relaxation and recreation, and I plan to continue that when we expand next door.”

The company’s existing campus houses a fully equipped gym, a steam room, bar and networking area, an auditorium for up to 300 event attendees and a second-floor Japanese spa garden. More than 300 employees are currently based there, with the new move opening up the opportunity to house “up to 800”, said UKFast.

Earlier this year the firm announced a £40 million fund from the Royal Bank of Scotland to build on its organic growth, which helped it to acquire security specialist Pentest in June.

Jones says the new building space may also be offered to local start-ups to help them grow their businesses. He said: “The building will be too big for us on day one, so we may as well give the surplus floor space to others who need it more than us. All will be revealed in time.”

@AntonySavvas