Office buildings in Manchester: the most iconic spaces to work in

Meeting these diverse criteria in one building, under one roof, is no mean feat. But in Manchester, architects and designers are rising to the challenge, blending performance and aesthetics to create truly desirable office environments.

Office space in Manchester

In the first half 2025, take-up in Manchester’s office market totalled 581,542 sq ft, achieved via 102 transactions. This was the strongest first half year of office space leasing since 2019, above both the five- and ten-year H1 averages. Of this total, Grade A and prime office take-up accounted for 57%, signalling a strong shift towards high-quality workspace, as seen in other UK cities.

Over the past five years, prime office rent in Manchester has increased by 20%, currently standing at £45 per sq ft. And continued demand means headline rent in the city is expected to rise above £50 per sq ft in the near future.

Office buildings in Manchester

IManchester’s thriving business ecosystem is grounded in institutions like MediaCityUK, home to the BBC and ITV. Building developments are also being driven by a growing tech corridor that attracts startups and global firms alike.

The city’s commercial real estate offers Grade A office space in a range of landmark buildings. And with new speculative developments coming online, the recent ‘skyscraper boom’ will continue to redefine the urban skyline. Meanwhile, strong civic leadership and unique devolved powers mean the city will remain a magnet for forward-thinking companies, driving further building projects.  

Manchester’s Landmark buildings with office space

Here, in our opinion, are the most impressive, imaginative, innovative and desirable office developments in Manchester today.

1/ One Spinningfields

One Spinningfields is Manchester’s premier office development. Situated at the heart of the city’s financial and commercial district, the building offers 260,000 sq ft of flexible Grade A workspace, with floorplates ranging from 11,000 to 25,000 sq ft. It also boasts dramatic cantilevered podiums, a striking double-height reception and a pedestrian route linking Quay Street to Hardman Square. There are a range of amenities for tenant usage, including a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views, secure cycle storage and basement parking. A mix of corporate and leisure spaces makes this a rich and varied workplace, while an Excellent BREEAM rating confirms its sustainability credentials. A truly dynamic and inspiring place to work.

Amenities

• 20 Stories – Manchester’s highest restaurant and terrace
• Secure cycle storage
• Business lounge
• Gym/studio
• Basement parking

Standout feature

20 Stories. A spectacular rooftop restaurant with incredible views and iconic sky-high cocktail bar. Also includes stunning private dining room.

2/  No. 1 St Michael’s

No.1 St Michael’s is one of Manchester’s most aspirational new business locations, offering nine floors of best-in-class, biophilic Grade A office space. Designed with people and planet in mind, it features sustainable architecture, exceptional air quality and active design principles that promote wellbeing and productivity. Flexible serviced workspace and cutting-edge technology, plus seamless connectivity to transport and leisure hubs, make this a much sought-after corporate base. There are diverse premium amenities, including a world-class rooftop restaurant, hotel-grade shower facilities, secure cycle storage and a multifunctional Club House. Meanwhile, targeted top-tier certifications, including NABERS 5*, Outstanding BREEAM, WELL Platinum, WiredScore Platinum and SmartScore Gold, demonstrate a commitment to excellence.  

Amenities

• Rooftop restaurant
• Shower facilities
• Secure cycle storage
• Multifunctional Club House

Standout feature

Wellness-oriented design features. Biophilia, landscaped terraces, natural light and air quality promote mental and physical wellbeing.

3/ 3 Hardman Square

Located in Manchester’s Spinningfields district, 3 Hardman Square is an elegant office building that provides flexible workspace across four floors. Recently redesigned, it features Grade A office space with exposed ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and impressive views across the city. The building includes a modern business lounge for touch-down working, with complimentary coffee and Wi-Fi as well as sleek private meeting booths. It’s also a sustainable workplace, with an In-Use Excellent BREEAM rating and a Design Stage Environmental Performance index of 10/10. Tenants benefit from amenities such as a cyclist hub, shower facilities, secure bike storage and electric car charging points. The Ivy restaurant and The Field garden space are also nearby, ensuring a rich mix of options for leisure and relaxation.

Amenities

• Cyclist hub
• Shower facilities
• Secure bike storage
• Electric car charging points
• Surrounding leisure, retail and F&B outlets

Standout feature

Business lounge. Welcoming and stylish lounge area and private meeting booths.

4/ 1 Angel Square

1 Angel Square is a landmark office building in Manchester’s NOMA district. Renowned for its pioneering architecture and sustainable design credentials, it offers over 327,000 sq ft of prime, column-free workspace configured for maximum flexibility. The building features a double-skin façade, full-height atrium and winter gardens designed to maximise natural light and enhance wellbeing. It also incorporates biodiesel cogeneration, rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling, and was the UK’s first regional office to achieve an Outstanding BREEAM rating. Originally developed as the Co-operative Group’s headquarters, 1 Angel Square is now a distinctive feature of Manchester’s urban landscape, with its unique, ‘sliced egg’ structure and silhouette. It has also raised the bar for sustainable regeneration.

Amenities

• Basement gym
• Cycle store
• Shower and changing facilities
• Car parking and EV charging
• Restaurant, convenience store and coffee shop
• 250-capacity auditorium

Standout feature

‘Sliced egg’ structure. Towards the building’s apex, a diagonal slice houses a nine-floor glass atrium, with its glass roof angled to the south to maximise natural light and passive solar gain.

5/ One New York Street

One New York Street is a striking, high-rise office building situated at the junction with Mosley Street in Manchester’s city centre. The building features a modernist façade of glass and aluminium, with two distinctive cantilevered overhangs. Recently refurbished, it includes a redesigned reception, wellness amenities, secure bike storage and flexible corporate suites. Once the city’s Victorian business district, the surrounding area now comprises high-end retailers, coffee-shops, bars and restaurants, with optimal transport train, tram and bus links. The building offers some of the most impressive views of Manchester, and a modern, spacious and productive working environment. It is also energy efficient and environmentally friendly, boasting an Excellent BREEAM rating and strong eco-credentials.

Amenities

• Business lounge
• Showers, changing rooms and lockers
• Cycle racks
• Basement parking spaces and EV charging points
• Good transport links
• Nearby restaurants, bars and retail

Standout feature

Building exterior. Modernist glass façade and two cantilevered overhangs make this a visually stunning and distinctive building.

If you’re looking to relocate your office space in Manchester, get in touch with WRKPLC for expert guidance and advice.

---

People also ask: Manchester office buildings