Opinion: It’s crunch time for Manchester’s commercial office space

We’ve seen years of office occupancy speculation since the pandemic, but the picture is finally becoming clearer. Employers are increasingly asking staff to return to the workplace and, in Manchester, we’re starting to see the impact.

A recent JLL survey found that 75% of Manchester-based firms now require employees to spend three or more days a week in the office. That’s a clear sign of confidence in the office market. But it’s also putting significant pressure on the city’s limited stock of commercial property, especially those much sought-after Grade A spaces.

Over the past three years, demand for Grade A office space has skyrocketed. In fact, more than half of all post-pandemic lettings in Manchester have been in this top-tier category. Businesses increasingly understand that premium office environments are critical for attracting and retaining top talent.

You only have to look at recent deals to determine a clear trend. From Bank of New York Mellon committing to 200,000 sq ft at 4 Angel Square through to ARM taking 70,000 sq ft at No.1 St Michael’s, it’s noticeable that companies are prioritising the best spaces to meet their employees’ needs and e