Law firm signs deal to move into new city centre offices

Two St Peter's Square

Law firm Knights has signed a deal to move into new offices in Manchester city centre.

Last year the firm bought Turner Parkinson and is looking to expand its presence in Manchester.

Mosley Street Ventures, which was represented by Cushman & Wakefield and CBRE, has disposed of the sixth floor at Two St Peter’s Square to Knights

The building, owned by a real estate fund managed by DWS, includes 161,065 sq ft of high quality, BREEAM ‘Excellent’ Grade A office accommodation.

Following the deal only the 11th floor remains at 8,925 sq ft.

Knights, one of the UK’s fastest growing regional legal and professional services businesses, has taken a 16,272 sq ft letting.

Manchester City Council has invested £185m into St Peter’s Square as part of the transformation and redevelopment of Library Walk, Central Library and Town Hall Extension.

The square is a showcase for some of the country’s finest civic architecture and is a major gateway and transport hub.

Jonathan Cook, associate director at CBRE Manchester, said: “We are delighted to confirm a deal with Knights at Two St Peter’s Square.

“The property sits in world class public space in the square and is a major gateway and transport hub, making it the ideal location for businesses seeking office accommodation of the very highest standard within the core business community.

“We’ve already received high interest for the remaining floor of the property, which offers approximately 9,000 sq ft of flexible Grade A office space.”

Knights is relocating from Hollins Chambers to Two St Peter’s Square that has the capacity for 150 colleagues in open-plan environment across one floor.  

The move is in line with Knights’ strategy to develop the business through selective acquisitions and organic investment to build leading positions in key markets outside London.  

Knights plans to expand its employee base in Manchester through the recruitment of professional who would like to be part of an ambitious firm with a meritocratic corporate culture which doesn’t require individuals to take on the financial risk associated with partnership structures.

Knights announced its first half year results since listing on the stock exchange last month, reporting a strong financial performance of highly cash generative and profitable growth during the half year, leaving it in a strong financial position from which to continue to invest in growth.

David Beech, chief executive at Knights, said: “The new office at Two St. Peter’s Square is an ideal location to grow the business in Manchester, as we look to expand on our strong platform through the recruitment of high calibre individuals and teams, in order to play a leading role in the mid-market legal services sector.”

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