Manchester’s office market is a national highlight so far in 2026. The latest evidence comes from the Avison Young Q1 2026 ‘Big Nine’ report into the UK’s major office markets. Nationally, the first three months of the year made up the strongest quarter for office space investment since 2022.

Much of that was found in Manchester where total take up last quarter exceeded 446,000 sqft. Manchester is also one of ‘Big Nine’ cities with the most new office space due for completion in the next three years. That’s exactly what the city needs to keep momentum building in the future.

Guy Spencer, director and head of national capital markets at Avison Young, said:

“The first quarter has set a strong tone for the year, with confidence building across regional markets such as Manchester.”

Read on to see what’s been happening in Manchester’s office market during May 2026 and what has been announced for the future.

• Mayfield office development expands further
• Glencar Construction opens Manchester base
• Gate One also heads North from London
• Kuits expands within Blackfriars
• S&W relocates and expands Manchester presence
• CMap upgrades space with move to Arkwright House

Mayfield office development expands further

Mayfield is a one of Manchester’s most ambitious redevelopment masterplans, and office space forms a key part of the overall project. The 233,000 sqft Republic building became the first speculative office build in Manchester to break ground since 2023 when work began last year.

Revised plans have now been submitted for a second office building at the site. Known as the Poulton, this building will now rise to 10 storeys and deliver an additional 104,000 sqft of premium office space to Manchester’s booming market.

It’s a prime example of what the Avison Young report highlighted, and a clear show of momentum in Manchester.

Glencar Construction opens new Manchester base

Glencar Construction has chosen Manchester as its Northern base. In response to an increasing quantity of work in the North West, the construction company has taken space in the Neo building, located in the heart of the city centre.

They have also created several new roles in Manchester and are anticipating more work and projects in the region as a result.

Pete Goodman, Glencar Managing Director Midlands and North, said:

“Over the past 12 months Glencar have been awarded a number of high-profile project instructions at sites throughout the North West and it makes sense to have a permanent presence in this region to be closer to our customers and continue our expansion in this fast-growing UK region, part of the northern powerhouse”.

Gate One also heads North from London

Joining Glencar as new entrants Manchester is Gate One, a digital and business transformation consultancy headquartered in London. The firm is growing rapidly across Europe and North America, with existing bases in Ireland, India the USA and France. However, it has never had a second site in the UK – until now.

Located in the Manchester Havas Village, the company aims to use the Manchester base to deepen the global group, but also to provide local services to Manchester’s growing tech cluster at a time many major organisations are expanding or relocating activity to the region.

Ben Tye, Managing Partner at Gate One, said:

“Manchester has long been a hub of innovation, creativity and growth, and opening our first UK regional office here reflects both our ambition for the UK and our commitment to building a more inclusive, representative consultancy. I look forward to working with our Manchester team to develop Gate One’s long-term commitment to delivering meaningful, lasting transformation for clients.”

Kuits expands at Blackfriars

Kuits, a UK200 commercial law firm, has renewed its lease at Blackfriars following a successful period in the building. Their new space will cover 22,000 sqft over a 10-year lease. The expansion follows a period of growth for the company and provides room for the company’s continuing ambitions in the future.

Steve Eccleston, managing partner at Kuits, said:

“As we approach our 10-year anniversary in Blackfriars, we are delighted to expand our great working environment for our team and clients. In the new space, we have designed more collaboration areas, a new client area, and bespoke spaces that meet the specific needs for all of our team.

“We’ve seen an uptick in new national and international clients wanting a Manchester firm with local knowledge, and our new working environment, alongside the city-centre location, provides the best platform to continue the firm’s impressive growth ambitions.”

S&W relocates and expands Manchester presence

Professional services group S&W has relocated its Manchester head office with a move to Pall Mall, the King Street space operated by Bruntwood. This marks a big investment into S&W’s Manchester presence which will double its floorspace in the city centre.

It is hoped that the move will support the continued growth and success of the company in one of Manchester’s newest and most sustainable workspaces.

Fiona Cresswell, partner in S&W’s Manchester office, said:

“Our larger, modern city-centre office strengthens our presence in Manchester and reflects our growing ambition in the region. The new Pall Mall space provides a high-quality environment for our colleagues, supports closer collaboration, and helps us deepen client relationships across the city.”

CMap upgrades space with move to Arkwright House

CMap is a software development company which offers purpose-built operating engines to architects and engineers. The company is growing and needed an office upgrade to support their continued upward trajectory.

Previously located at WeWork on John Dalton Street, the company has sealed a move to the 9,000 sqft 6^th floor at Arkwright House. This recently refurbished space in the city centre is a modern, sustainable space which provides what CMap needs to keep growing.

Jon Stead, chief executive at CMap, said:

“As CMap continues to scale, it was important that we invested in a long-term home that reflects both our ambition and our culture.

“Arkwright gives us the space, quality and flexibility to grow together as a team, while creating an environment where people genuinely enjoy coming to work, collaborating and delivering for our customers.”

Looking for you next Manchester city centre office space?

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