Region’s law firms lead the way in office take-up

Manchester saw new office take up in the legal sector top 65,000 sq ft in 2021 as law firms lead the way in the uptake of new offices as they fight to retain and recruit talent.

According to the latest research from global real estate advisor Knight Frank, 94% of take-up by law firms across the UK in 2021 was for Grade A office buildings, a rise on 73% five years ago.

Sixty-one per cent of space taken by law firms was for BREEAM certified buildings, underlining the importance of sustainability in decision-making.

In comparison, just 44% of take-up was for BREEAM certified buildings in 2017.

Manchester saw new office take up in the legal sector top 65,000 sq ft in 2021, 7% of the UK total behind Central London and Leeds.

The drive for new office space follows intense competition for talent which has created record demand for ‘super-prime sustainable offices.’

Knight Frank is advising and overseeing the move of law firm Brabners from traditional office space on King Street to a bespoke designed new Manchester headquarters at 100 Barbirolli Square.

Roy Barry, Real Estate Partner at Brabners, said: “We wanted our new offices in Manchester to embody our independence and our commitment to clients and colleagues. It was also an opportunity to redefine the purpose and positioning of our office accommodation.

“We are keen to capitalise on the opportunity to build on what we have learned throughout the pandemic and our new offices will provide us with a modern, progressive working environment that is genuinely consistent with our move to agile working.

“The location is fantastic, right in the heart of the city centre, close to the tram network, in a building that has been repurposed and reinvented, and the fit-out will create a fantastic space for clients and colleagues alike. Our goal is to create a hub for business – a great place to meet and work – and, ultimately, something that makes people proud to be associated with our firm and what we stand for.”

Jennifer Townsend, Partner, Occupier Research at Knight Frank, said: “Law firms remain committed to the office, recognising its role in supporting, facilitating, and portraying business strategy.

“Law firms cited difficulties in training and developing junior lawyers, building cultural ties, and developing deeper client relationships in a fully remote working environment.

“However, law firms are also reimagining the office. Looking at the drivers of leasing transactions in 2021, there were common themes of sustainability, health and wellbeing, and the flight to quality, with occupiers investing in amenity-rich, highly connected spaces.

“Law firms are creating workplaces with new ways of working in mind, centred around collaboration, innovation, client-centricity and learning and development.”