Manchester 2024 office review

Manchester’s office market is one of the busiest in the UK. Companies are growing fast in the city and constantly moving around looking for bigger, better new spaces that match their ambitions.

On the other side of the equation, more office buildings and spaces are being developed and opening every month which offer interesting new work environments that deserve shouting about.

It’s a great and exciting time to be involved in Manchester’s office market scene and we’ve pulled out some highlights from 2024 that you need to know about.

Looking for office space to rent in Manchester? There's more choice than ever. Here’s some highlights from Manchester’s office market so far in 2024.

SafetyCulture

This global technology company expanded into a new 10,000 sqft Manchester office at the iconic former 19^th century bank, Bond.

The company plans to accommodate more than 100 team members at the site as the company grows, making it another big win for Manchester’s booming tech industry.

Schroders

Nick Montgomery of Schroders sees opportunity in repositioning older, Grade B buildings to meet the demand for quality space in Manchester. The so-called ‘flight to quality’ is real in the city, and premium space is in higher demand than ever before.

Factors like falling interest rates, controlled inflation and regional growth means that Manchester’s office market is a prime opportunity for companies like Schroders who can see the desire for better workspaces here.

Carter Jonas

Carter Jonas launched a new office in Manchester, led by Harry Bolton and Matt Lee, as part of its expansion strategy in the North West.

The aim is to drive growth in Greater Manchester and the wider region with a multi-disciplinary property service team based in the city.

Manchester is one of the UK property market’s main hubs and it’s no surprise that big names in the sector keep moving here to be part of it.

Floorspace

Despite a slight decline in the total amount of floorspace let year-on-year, Manchester's office market remains resilient, with a total of 50 deals completed in Q1 2024 according to analysis by the Manchester Office Agency Forum (MOAF).

That’s a great sign and the rest of the year ahead looks similarly bright with economic conditions on the mend and plenty more office moves ahead for Manchester’s business world.

Koba and Gilbanks

Koba, known for creating premium, sustainable workplaces, is launching its first 30,000 sqft UK venture at 100 Barbirolli Square, while Gilbanks has become the third tenant at No1 St Michael's, taking 34,000 sqft across a floor and a half.

These are two highly significant deals for Manchester which demonstrate the appetite there is in the city for great office space. On the one hand, an international firm choosing Manchester over other UK markets; on the other, a major serviced office provider makes a big statement of confidence in one of Manchester’s flagship new buildings.

Lower Campfield Market

Once known as a neglected part of the city, Lower Campfield market has secured a £17.5m investment as part of the government’s ‘levelling up’ scheme and plans are in place to transform it into a contemporary hub for growing media, creative, and tech firms.

These are three of the areas in which Manchester excels and new space catering to creative, media and tech business will help to cement Manchester’s status as the place to be for growing companies.

Want more info about Manchester’s dynamic office market? Keep up to date with some of the latest big moves in the city here.

‍