Online beauty and wellbeing company, THG, has revealed plans to establish new headquarters near Manchester Airport, covering almost a million square feet.
The Manchester-based firm is set to create a significant 16.8-acre business campus named THQ, alongside an 11.6-acre content creation studio called ICON, which together will support up to 10,000 jobs. This development is described as the largest ever undertaken by a company in the North West and the UK’s largest bespoke office project outside of London.
After reaching an agreement with Airport City Manchester, THG intends to invest over $1 billion 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, in collaboration with creative executive architect Penson. A planning application has already been submitted, with construction expected to commence in early 2019.
Founder and CEO of THG, Matthew Moulding, remarked, ‘THQ is a landmark development for THG and another important step in our growth story. 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.’
CEO of MAG and Airport City JV partner, Charlie Cornish, commented, ‘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 2 million square feet of business space.’
Currently, THG employs 1,000 staff at its offices near Manchester Airport. Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, stated, ‘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.’
The development of THQ and ICON represents a significant milestone for THG and the North West region, emphasising the area’s potential for substantial economic growth and job creation.
