One of the most environmentally-friendly office buildings in Manchester has been unveiled.

Known as Metro, the £23 million building on Trafford Road, near Salford Quays, is the first Manchester office building outside the city centre to receive the 'Excellent' BREEAM rating.

Built by HBG Properties, Metro boasts six storeys and 72,500 sq ft of office space, as well as water and energy-saving features, recycling facilities, bicycle storage and showers for cyclists. Lighting is controlled by brightness and motion sensors.

Clive Perrin, HBG Properties development director, said environmental issues are becoming more important, with "forward-thinking companies" wanting to occupy very good or excellent BREEAM-rated buildings.

"We have submitted terms to various interested parties and are hopeful that we can announce our first letting success very soon," he added.

Salford Quays is now one of Britain's most prominent business locations, with over 160,000 sq m of office space. Nearby Trafford Park is home to more than 1,400 businesses including Kellogg's, United Utilities, Kellogg's and Procter & Gamble.