The office, it’s now clear, is making a post-pandemic come back. According to Rightmove’s latest Quarterly Commercial Insights Tracker, covering the first quarter of the year, demand for office space in the UK was 19% higher in Q1 than in the same period in 2024.
In Manchester, the latest research from Savills shows that take up in the city reached 1.22 million sq ft in 2024, reflecting a 29% increase on 2023, and sits 17% higher than the five-year annual average.
“We saw a steady increase in activity across the Manchester office market throughout Q4, which has continued into 2025 as a result of occupiers implementing plans to relocate and expand,” says Richard Lowe, office agency director at Savills Manchester.
Here’s a selection of some of the best office spaces currently available in Manchester.
4 Hardman Square – marketed by Savills
Image provided courtesy of Savills
Four Hardman Square has been reimagined “from the outside in”, according to its backers. “From the all new entrance and reception to the perfectly planned mezzanine level exercise studio, this is the HQ office that sets a new benchmark for Spinningfields.”
Sustainability and occupant experience were key priorities that guided the transformation of Four Hardman Square, with the building achieving an EPC A, BREEAM Excellent, WELL Silver Enabled and NABERS in use ratings.
In order to achieve such credentials, Four Hardman Square features design elements including rooftop PV panels generating 40 kWp, low carbon electric heating and cooling, solar control external shading to minimise demand on internal cooling systems and a smart building management system.
Deansgate – marketed by IW Group Services (UK) Limited, Spaces
Image provided courtesy of IW Group Services (UK) Limited, Spaces
125 Deansgate offers 12 storeys of flexible designer workspace and has a prominent position in the buzzing heart of the city centre, surrounded by trendy bars, high-end boutiques and some of the area’s best food spots. Spinningfields is just over the road, while Selfridges and the Arndale Centre are a short walk away.
The building itself is architecturally striking, while inside every private office, meeting room and communal area is designed with bespoke finishes and unique details. Full-height glazing means workspaces are surrounded by impressive views and benefit from natural light.
On-site parking, bicycle storage and shower and locker facilities accommodate private commuters, while Piccadilly Station Metrolink is just six minutes’ walk away.
No. 3 Circle Square – marketed by JLL
Image provided courtesy of JLL
Due for completion in 2025, No.3 Circle Square is part of Manchester’s newest neighbourhood. With its location in the heart of the city’s innovation district, the building offers superb co-location opportunities for companies to access emerging talent, university research and funding.
No.3 Circle Square provides floorplates of approximately 19,900 sq ft and an open-plan ground floor space that combines a reception area with retail and leisure amenities, as well as a cycle hub and showers.
A rooftop terrace and lounge provides a private garden space from which to work that complements the new state-of-the-art conference and events facilities provided on campus at No.1 Circle Square.
Manchester Business Park – marketed by CBRE
Image provided courtesy of CBRE
Manchester Business Park is a high quality business park located at the entrance to Manchester Airport. The park benefits from immediate motorway access via junction 5 of the M56, while the airport’s railway station provides direct rail services into Manchester city centre, Wilmslow and the surrounding area.
Accommodation is available for requirements of 25,000 sq ft upwards. Outline planning consent exists for a further development of 675,000 sq ft, while detailed consent is in place for the next phase of development arranged around a courtyard of four office building providing 30,000-45,0000 sq ft. Companies such as Costain, Emirates, Regus and PZ Cussons are already situated on the park.
One Circle Square – marketed by Colliers International
Image provided courtesy of Colliers International
One Circle Square is part of a business community of global brands and start-ups working in the creative, digital and technology industries.
The building offers high-quality, flexible office space, meeting rooms, and event space alongside a bespoke business support programme. Developer Bruntwood SciTech offers everything from access to investors, skills, and talent through its networks to a community social events programme.
In terms of amenities, One Circle Square overlooks Symphony Park, a unique green space in the city surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and bars. The wider neighbourhood includes museums, music venues, and theatres, as well as excellent transport links.
100 Barbirolli Square – marketed by Savills
Image provided courtesy of Savills
Overseen by award winning Manchester architects 5plus, the refurbishment of 100 Barbirolli Square is an exemplar example of how to breathe new life into a space.
Updates to the entrance ensure that 100 Barbirolli Square’s stylishness makes an impression before employees or clients have even walked through the door. Once inside, the reception area is steeped in understated elegance.
A client lounge, meanwhile, is separated from the main reception area by a series of full height bronze bars, creating privacy whilst still maintaining a connection to the wider surroundings.
To 100 Barbirolli Square’s immediate west is Manchester Central, a world class conference centre and a local landmark. To its north, is St Peter’s Square, now emerging from a three year, £30 million redevelopment scheme that has transformed it into the most well connected place in the city.
To its immediate South, meanwhile, is Bridgewater Hall, home to the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. The building is also within short walking distance of bustling Deansgate, glossy Spinningfields and the eternally cool Northern Quarter.
Sunlight House – marketed by JLL
Image provided courtesy of JLL
This refurbished art deco building was constructed as Manchester’s original skyscraper in 1932. The property has been re-imagined for the 21st century to provide Grade A office space for businesses.
In addition to the high specification offices, the spaces come complete with everything from individual workstations and touchdown areas to meeting rooms, studios, quiet zones and breakout areas.
The property also benefits from cycle storage and shower/changing facilities, as well as 24/7 secure access. The office spaces are fully air-conditioned and come equipped with LED recessed lighting. The building is predicted to achieve an EPC B.
Sunlight House is located on Quay Street, in between Deansgate and Spinningfields, and benefits from excellent transport links. It is within a 20-minute walk of all of Manchester’s train stations, as well as several major tram stops.
101 Princess St – marketed by Sixteen Real Estate
Image provided courtesy of Sixteen Real Estate
The available space at 101 Princess Street provides uninterrupted natural light on all elevations and benefits from original timber sash windows.
Across all floors, the extensive floor to ceiling height, exposed brick work, timber beams and columns provide a fantastic opportunity for any occupier looking for a fully fitted office solution with true charm and character.
A newly refurbished reception space delivers an impressive arrival for guests and staff alike, while super fast broadband connectivity ensures that the digital infrastructure is as impressive as the physical space.
Located in the beating heart of Manchester city centre, close to the Knowledge Corridor and just a short walk from both St Peters Square Metrolink and Piccadilly mainline station, Princess Street has quickly become home to the creative industries, as well as many high quality bars and restaurants.
Arndale House, Arndale Centre – marketed by CBRE
Image provided courtesy of CBRE
Located in the heart of Manchester city centre, Arndale House offers high quality office accommodation, 360° views and direct access to the Arndale Centre’s retail, food and beverage offer.
With highly efficient floor plates of 10,000 sq ft, Arndale House offers a bright, modern office environment with flexibility to cater for a wide range of businesses. Up to 170 desks can be accommodated per floor.
The building is within easy access reach of all the major city centre districts, with excellent transport links to further afield, whether by road, rail or Metrolink.
Blackfriars House – marketed by Savills
Image provided courtesy of Savills
Blackfriars House’s ground floor has been completely transformed and now offers an independent coffee shop, lounge, fireplace and a reading room that doubles up as a podcast studio, as well as a host of other features including auditorium.
The building has been extensively refurbished and now boasts a new roof terrace. A community event space hosting everything from pop-up screenings to yoga is in train, alongside a premium restaurant – Climat – that offers panoramic views over the city.