Manchester: A City on the Rise
Manchester’s bold energy is infectious. Its walkable city centre, buzzing districts, and global outlook give it the feel of a much larger city, yet with the ease of life and community spirit that’s unmistakably Mancunian.
Today, Manchester is one of the UK’s most dynamic places to live and work, offering businesses a competitive edge through talent, connectivity, and lifestyle. Its growing reputation as a tech, creative, and innovation hub continues to attract corporates and entrepreneurs alike.
Scale and Momentum
Outside London, Greater Manchester has the most developed flexible office market in the UK with a strong concentration in the city centre.
The city is evolving fast, with landlords blending Grade A traditional and flex space in landmark projects like 4 Angel Square, Mayfield, and Bruntwood Works’ The Alberton, opening 2025.
Flexible Workspace Providers: Established and Expanding
Manchester’s flex scene offers a diverse range of premium and creative spaces, catering to corporates, SMEs, and startups.
Key city centre operators include:
- Bruntwood Works — with Bloc and 111 Piccadilly leading a portfolio focused on wellbeing, community, and sustainability.
- Industrious at Landmark and Windmill Green — offering premium, high-spec workspaces in outstanding buildings.
- WeWork — active across Dalton Place, No.1 Spinningfields, and Hanover Building, delivering dynamic flex offices for a wide range of businesses.
- Spaces — with large hubs at Peter House and 125 Deansgate.
- Orega — rapidly expanding with 115,000 sq ft across five locations including Piccadilly Place.
- Colony — cultivating a creative, community-driven coworking network across the city.
New entrants like x+why highlight Manchester’s continued attraction for flex providers.
Corporates are increasingly embracing flex in Manchester. Pre-COVID, most would have taken traditional leases; now companies like Deloitte, HSBC, and Direct Line have all chosen flex options at premium sites.
Lifestyle and Talent: A Winning Combination
Manchester’s more affordable living costs compared to London, combined with a rich cultural scene and excellent university links, make it a magnet for talent. Walkability, connectivity, and quality of life all contribute to a vibrant business community with global ambition.
About the Author
Hilary leads research at Spaces to Places and brings over 20 years of property expertise. Specialising in analysing property, location, and office data, she uncovers insights to improve location strategy and customer experience. With experience at Sainsbury’s and JLL, Hilary has worked across Europe and Australia.
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