The client will instead focus on its Birmingham and London developments, which include the 1.8m sq ft office-led Paradise redevelopment and the high-profile 27 ha King’s Cross transformation.

Argent has been heavily involved in Manchester’s development boom in recent years, delivering schemes including the 280,000 sq ft One St Peter’s Square office building and the £1bn Airport City Manchester (pictured).

But in February, Argent exited its role as development manager on the airport job, while last month it pulled out of the Mayfield Quarter development partner race, on which it was bidding in partnership with US property firm Related.

Argent Related was one of three shortlisted bidders for the mixed-used Mayfield Quarter development but was replaced by regeneration specialist U+I after it exited the process.

The revised shortlist includes an Carillion, Ask and Patrizia consortium, Urban & Civic, and U+I.

Commenting at the time on the decision to exit the Mayfield Quarter race, Argent managing partner David Partridge said: “Given Argent’s longstanding and successful relationship with Manchester, this is not one which has been made lightly.

“While we believe that the scheme is an exciting proposition for the city, Argent Related’s immediate focus is on our pipeline projects and other future projects where we are concentrating our resources.”

Last February, Argent Related was chosen as preferred development partner for the 7,500-home Brent Cross Cricklewood South scheme for Barnet Council, as revealed by Construction News.

Argent declined to comment on the closure of its Manchester office.