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Birmingham Post
Birmingham Post
Business
David Laister

High profile letting ensures prestigious Hull waterside office development is full for the first time

Scholl’s city sidestep from the Reckitt operation in Dansom Lane to Two Humber Quays means one of Hull’s most prestigious office developments is fully occupied for the first time.

The footcare specialist, sold by the Hull-founded global healthcare business in 2021, has found a new home in the building, bought by JR Rix & Sons Ltd almost two years ago.

And the overhauled complex has been described as “an asset for Hull” following the investment that has flowed like the river it overlooks.

Read more: New figurehead at the helm of Hull's award-winning entrepreneurial collective

Mike Fry, head of estates at JR Rix & Sons Ltd, said it was important to ensure the five storey office complex, fulfils its potential. Completed in late 2007, the £5.5 million build was brought forward by Priority Sites, but despite the A-grade nature, hadn’t hit the heights hoped, as the likes of Spencer, Arco and the growing Fruit Market-focused tech hub emerged close by.

Acquired in early 2021, buying it from Luxembourg-based investment company Colsilverbird, Rix itself moved its headquarters from Spyvee Street and now occupies the full ground floor and parts of the second and third floors.

Mr Fry has worked alongside commercial property specialists Garness Jones, who manage the building on Rix’s behalf, ensuring the offices have matched the requirements of Scholl’s Wellness Company. As Rix did, building tenant Chameleon Business Interiors was appointed.

“Two Humber Quays is a fantastic, modern office development which provided a perfect new home for us when we purchased it in 2021,” said Mr Fry.

Delighted to complete the deal, from left, Paul White of Garness Jones and Mike Fry of JR Rix & Sons, welcome Edward Beech and Scott Seville to Two Humber Quays. (Arrival PR)

“We didn’t just buy the building as a home and investment for ourselves, but with a commitment to make sure it became a first-class home for other businesses in the city, and a real asset for Hull.

“We have worked closely with tenants and Garness Jones to make sure that is the case, and in terms of Scholl, we have worked with them to create a space which has been entirely tailored entirely to meet the needs of their workforce.

“There is a really good mix of tenants in the building now, and a really vibrant atmosphere with more than 300 people based in the building.”

RSM UK and BCD Travel sit alongside Chameleon, and now Scholl with the on-site landlord.

Paul White, director with Garness Jones, advised Rix on the purchase of the building and also with the Scholl letting. He said: “This has been a really important deal not only for Rix and for Scholl, but also for the city and the continuing development of our waterfront business community. In a world where we now have a hybrid of office and home working, it is paramount for the success of our cities, and the businesses in them, that we have vibrant office developments which attract successful and ambitious businesses.

“When Rix bought this building, a clear focus was placed on ensuring it became the quality asset it now is for the city, and we have been delighted to support that with our management services.

“Rix deserve great credit for their investment and vision, as do Scholl who, when looking for bigger premises to support their growth, have demonstrated their faith in the city. When they showed their colleagues across the world what we have in Hull, they said they were envious. How great is that?

“Whilst they are businesses in very different sectors, there is great synergy between the two businesses as they each have long-standing histories, track records of innovation, are trusted as leaders in their fields and are businesses we should be very proud to have here in Hull. This is a great success story.”

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