National law firm Weightmans to establish 18,000 sq ft office at No.1 Spinningfields

Weightmans LLP is establishing a new base in the heart of Manchester’s commercial district as it looks to embrace new ways of working and technology.

The national law firm signed up for 18,000 sq ft at developer Allied London’s No.1 Spinningfields scheme.

The move will see 150 staff from Weightmans’ two Manchester offices consolidated into a single team.

Forming part of the firm’s renewed investment in technology and agile working practices, the deal follows Weightmans’ unveiling of a new structure and five-year strategy. This includes a departure from its former business line structure and the introduction of a new Client Relationships arm.

Partner Richard Corran, head of the company’s Manchester offices, 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.”

He continued: “Subject to client requirements, hot-desking 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.”

The head of office agency at Cushman & Wakefield, Rob Yates, commented: “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.”

Spinningfields estate director Chris Reay said of the deal: “Allied London has 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.”

No.1 Spinningfields is the tallest commercial property to be built in the city in the last 50 years.

Building work on the scheme is due for completion this autumn. Weightmans is expecting to move in 2018.

Allied London was represented in the transaction by Obi.