Two Manchester office schemes backed by Salford-based developer Muse are about to leap forward as the city’s office market recovers its mojo.

The projects, which together amount to 300K SF of new city floorspace, follow soon after indications from Hermes that it is preparing to resume work at a 236K SF office scheme, part of the NOMA development.

Contractor Vinci is now ready to develop 100K SF offices at Muse's New Victoria site close to Victoria Station, whilst Bowmer & Kirkland is poised to begin construction work on a 200K SF office building at Two New Bailey, Salford, Place NorthWest reported.

The decision to go ahead at New Bailey represents a leap of confidence. A pre-let to BT was agreed in  September 2019 but the telecoms giant has yet to sign a lease, according to reports.

The scheme is being developed by the English Cities Fund, the partners in which are Muse, Legal & General and Homes England.

The New Victoria scheme, which also includes a 500-unit residential element in two towers of 20 and 25 storeys, has made slow progress since 2017, when a start on-site was originally announced. Protracted pre-contract talks with Vinci have been blamed.