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October 30, 2025
Alex Timperley
5 mins
We’re into the final quarter of 2025 and it’s fair to say this has been an unusual year for offices. There have been market challenges and questions over what the future holds in Manchester.
However, as we approach the end of the year it’s clear to see that momentum is building in the city. Optimism should still be cautious, but sector leaders are speaking up with more confidence about the state of Manchester’s office market.
Martin Lemke, chief executive of AM ALPHA, said: “Manchester is not only competing with the likes of Birmingham or Glasgow, but increasingly stands out against established European hubs like Dublin, Paris, Lisbon or Luxembourg.
“The common thread across all these markets is that tenants are seeking quality, sustainability, and character. That’s where demand is strongest - and why Manchester is so well placed to keep attracting occupiers on a European stage."
Read all about the state of the market and more in our October 2025 Manchester office market summary:
There has been discussion in recent months about the prospect of Manchester city centre running out of available office space. What’s the solution?
You could build new offices in the city centre like the team at Mayfield are doing. Or you could look to the city fringes where there is still a wealth of outstanding office space for rent. New data from the Manchester Office Agents Forum shows that many businesses are choosing the latter option.
Salford Quays, MediaCityUK, Old Trafford and South Manchester saw more floorspace let over the first three quarters of 2025 than in the whole of 2024.
It’s a great sign for Manchester and shows the city has more than one card to play. There’s real momentum here and the city centre fringes are now playing a greater role in Manchester’s overall success. For businesses searching for a new office, the fringes might represent a golden opportunity.
Daniel Barnes, Director at Savills, said: “
The continued growth outside the centre of Manchester shows that the appeal of the city is broadening, bringing a more diverse type of occupier and opening up opportunities for space further afield.”
More encouragement for Manchester’s office market comes from the British Council of Offices which has labelled No. 1 St Michael’s, No. 1 St Peter’s Square, and No. 1 Spinningfields as ‘super prime’.
In other words, they are among the best office buildings in the country and a marker for quality nationwide.
The rating is based on the physical characteristics of a building, sustainability, technology, amenity, and health and wellbeing factors. Certifications including BREEAM Outstanding, EPC A, WELL Platinum and WiredScore Platinum are also taken into account.
It’s yet more evidence that Manchester has some of the best workspace options available and that quality is prioritised in the market.
Manchester law firm JMW has completed a landmark office move which is being called one of the ‘largest and most complex transactions’ of the year.
They have taken floors 8-11 at 125 Deansgate on a 15-year lease that cements the company’s status as one of the leading law firms in Manchester. It also brings together their 800-strong entire workforce under one roof for the first time. Previously, the company was split between Byrom Place and Hardman Street in Spinningfields.
Chris Sutton, Managing Partner at JMW, said:
“This is a seminal move for JMW, and one which Warren Martin and I, together with the wider board, have been considering for some time.
“We knew we needed a new home that would accommodate, and showcase, our growth and continued success, and 125 Deansgate offers us exactly that. As a leading national law firm, we are delighted to invest in this new office space for our people as we look towards the next chapter for JMW.”
Mott Macdonald is an engineering management and development consultancy which has played a role in the creation of many of the region’s most impressive projects including the Metrolink, Manchester Airport and the Trafford Centre.
Now, they have re-committed to the city ahead of the next phase of Bee Network expansion with an office move. The company’s 330 employees will now be based at One Piccadilly Gardens in the heart of the city as they support a wide range of regional and national clients including Network Rail, NHS, Peel and United Utilities.
Ken Norbury, Managing Director of Transport at Mott MacDonald, said:
“We have an enduring partnership with Greater Manchester, and this move builds on that legacy, enabling us to continue supporting Greater Manchester’s growth journey toward greater opportunity, sustainability and regional pride.”
Co-op has announced a successful sublet of One Angel Square to Unison, the UK’s largest trade union. Unison is expected to move into the building in early 2026 as part of Co-op’s plan to move to a multi-occupancy model in the building.
The company’s support and HQ services will remain within the building, but Co-op hopes the new multi-tenancy model will future proof its estate and ensure the building continues to reflect modern ways of working.
Heather Thomas, Group Property & Sustainability Director at Co-op, said:
“As ways of working evolve, we’re continuing to use our workspace more efficiently while remaining proudly based in Manchester.
“Welcoming UNISON to One Angel Square is a positive step in how we’re planning for the building’s future. We’re open to further tenants and committed to ensuring this fantastic building continues to be a collaborative and thriving place to work.”
Another big legal move in Manchester city centre has taken place at No. 1 St. Michael’s. Gary Neville’s landmark city centre space has attracted a list of big name clients, and Pinsent Mason is the latest to join them.
The law firm has now moved in and also made a series of hires across its senior teams at the same time.
Neil Black, Partner and Head of Manchester Office, said:
"This move isn't just about a new address, it's about ambition. No. 1 St Michael's represents our commitment to Manchester’s future, to our people, and to the clients and communities we work with.
"We're proud to contribute to the energy and innovation that define Manchester, and we're excited to continue building meaningful relationships and impactful work in a place that inspires us every day."
One year ago this month, BNY Mellon took over the entirety of 4 Angel Square. The international finance giant has since revealed plans to consolidate its North West workforce in the building – which is now up for sale.
The 200,000 sqft building has now been brought to market for a total value of £120m. That makes it one of the biggest potential deals outside London, reflecting its status and the quality of tenant.
We will wait and see if a buyer emerges, but it’s clear that this is a unique and attractive opportunity in Manchester city centre.
The Government Property Agency (GPA) is making yet more moves in Manchester. Following practical completion at First Street, the announcement of plans for Ancoats Retail Park and more, the GPA is now reportedly moving into Great Bridgewater Street.
They are in talks to occupy a 110,000 sqft Credit Suisse renovation project which would instantly become one of the biggest deals in Manchester this year. While completion of the deal is likely to be several months away, Place North West reports that an eight-year lease is being proposed.
And last but not least… we can’t talk about the Manchester markets without mentioning our city’s famous Christmas markets!
We’ve been watching on enthusiastically as they’ve been built in the last couple of weeks and can’t wait to get in there when they open on Friday 7th November. Count us in for a mulled wine, a bratwurst and a trip up the new 50-metre Ferris Wheel outside the town hall…
Want to rent office space in Manchester?Find your new serviced, leased or managed office in Manchester city centre with help from the LEVEL Workspace team. Contact us today for a free discovery call!
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