CBRE reports growth in Manchester office market

PROPERTY consultant CBRE has reported a “strong start” to 2013 in the Manchester property occupier and investment markets.

Office take-up in the city in the first half was up 25% to 472,323 sq ft, and CBRE is predicting a strong second half too.

Take-up during the first half of the year reached 472,323 sq ft, as demand was driven by three sub-sectors,  business services, consumer services and professional servicess, with law firm DWF taking space on Deansgate and US-owned leisure business  TravelJigsaw taking 63,000 sq ft at Sunlight House on Quay Street.

John Ogden, managing director of CBRE in Manchester, said: “Occupier confidence is on the up in 2013 and this is evident by a 25% increase in take up compared to H1 2012.

“In addition to a number of larger lettings in H1, there are further active requirements for a number of larger occupiers which should complete in the second half of the year.”