AM Alpha, the owner of Manchester's Rylands building, has appointed JLL as a joint letting agent on the major redevelopment project.
JLL will source office tenants for the mixed-use scheme on Market Street which is getting a four-storey extension comprising an additional 40,000 square feet of office space.
Construction work is being carried out by local contractor, Domis, which has recently completed the demolition works. The project is set for completion in 2027.
JLL joins existing agents OBI Property and Barker Proudlove. The latter is overseeing retail lettings.
The appointment follows Market Place Food Hall being signed as the first tenant at Rylands. The street food collective has committed to a 15-year lease covering approximately 14,000 square feet.
Paul Hodgkiss, senior project manager at AM Alpha, said in a statement: "JLL’s experience and deep understanding of the UK office market makes them the ideal partner to bring this iconic Manchester landmark back to life.
"Securing a renowned tenant like Market Place so early into the project is incredibly exciting and has already generated strong interest. We aim to create the best office space in Manchester, and our agents are already playing a crucial role in helping us showcase the product to national and international businesses.”
AM Alpha, which acquired the former Debenhams building from Capreon for £87 million in 2017, started its regeneration of the building in 2023, including a refurbishment of the original structure, conversion of the upper floors into office space, and the installation of a retail arcade at ground level.
James Devany, JLL head of office agency North West, added: "Rylands is a transformative landmark office scheme not just for Manchester but the wider UK regions. We're delighted to collaborate with the existing agency team, leveraging JLL's market-leading expertise to support AM ALPHA's vision.
"Having witnessed Domis' exceptional construction progress firsthand, it's clear that Rylands will emerge as a defining office destination that beautifully preserves its rich heritage while delivering architectural excellence exactly when Manchester faces its most significant Grade A office supply shortage."