National law firm Weightmans LLP has announced plans for a new Manchester office that will embrace new ways of working and technology in the heart of the city’s commercial district.
The firm will take 18,000 sq ft at No.1 Spinningfields – Allied London’s world class commercial building – in a move that will see close to 150 Weightmans staff from two Manchester offices brought together from their current Piccadilly Place and Pall Mall Court locations.
The top 45 law firm’s move to No.1 comes as they unveil the company’s investment in technology and agile working. Allied London has set out their vision for the future of UK workspace at the adjoining Enterprise City and continue to further Spinningfields’ digital reputation with neighbouring XYZ and No.1.
News of the office deal comes as Weightmans unveiled a new structure and five year strategy after undertaking the biggest and most ambitious strategic review for decades. The firm has moved on from its former business line structure and has introduced a new Client Relationships arm, as well as making a significant financial investment in technology and new ways of working, including workplace agility.
Partner and Head of the Manchester offices Richard Corran said: “We are delighted to have secured space in what will be the statement building of the Spinningfields district.
“The move will unify and strengthen teams from our two Manchester offices, offer a superior client experience and respond to changing staff requirements as we embrace more efficient and flexible methods of working, giving us the opportunity to introduce a truly agile approach. Subject to client requirements, hot-desking will be introduced in Manchester, and staff will be given the support and facilities to work remotely for some of their week.
“We are looking forward to this new, exciting chapter and would like to thank our advisors at Cushman & Wakefield for helping to make this happen.”
Rob Yates, head of office agency at Cushman & Wakefield, said: “Weightmans quickly realised that the supply and demand dynamics of the Manchester city centre office market presented challenges due to the shortage of high quality opportunities. Acting on our advice, Weightmans moved incredibly quickly to secure their preferred option, the speed at which we were able to close the transaction proved fundamental.”
Chris Reay, Spinningfields Estate Director, commented: “Allied London has championed new and flexible ways of working since 2012, and Weightmans move to No. 1 signifies how the quality of our workspace offering is attracting best in class tenants to our developments. The firm will not only take some of the best Grade A office space in the city, but they will also embrace new methods of working that have been informed by Allied’s extensive workplace survey with Creative Review.”
No.1 Spinningfields is the tallest commercial building to be built in Manchester in the last 50 years. This landmark building, alongside neighbouring XYZ, marks the final pieces of the masterplan as Allied London celebrates 20 years of Spinningfields. Surrounded by some of the best retail and leisure operators in the city, developer Allied London has also announced plans for The Field and Pavilion, which will provide much needed city centre greenspace to the area.
Obi acted for Allied London.
Construction of No. 1 Spinningfields is due to complete in autumn 2017. Weightmans will move in 2018.
