Weightmans in big move to No 1 Spinningfields
National law firm Weightmans 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 18,000sq ft at No 1 Spinningfields – Allied London’s 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 it unveils the company’s investment in technology and agile working.
Allied London says it has set its vision for the future of UK workspace at the adjoining Enterprise City, and continue to further Spinningfield’s digital reputation with neighbouring XYZ and No.1 Spinningfields.
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.
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, agile working 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, said: “Allied London have 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.”
OBI acted for Allied London.
