US firm WeWork to launch coworking space at No. 1 Spinningfields

Global workspace provider WeWork has announced plans to launch its first UK location outside London.

The New York-headquartered company is opening its 20th centre at No. 1 Spinningfields, developer Allied London’s 19-storey commercial scheme in Manchester.

Work on the development, which will feature a rooftop restaurant operated by leisure group D&D, is due for completion in Autumn 2017.

WeWork is now calling on entrepreneurs, startups and SMEs from across Manchester to get involved in its Creator Awards programme, which offers awards totalling more than $20m globally to individuals and organisations.

WeWork’s UK managing director, Joe Gaunt, said: “Manchester is an obvious choice for our second city. It couples a vibrant cultural heritage with an established desirable business location.

“The city has excellent infrastructure and a growing tech and start-up sector and is showing itself to be an increasingly appealing destination providing a fantastic work life balance.”

He added: “We are proud to have secured premises in the latest addition to the Manchester skyline and believe this best in class building will provide the perfect hub for entrepreneurs, startups, freelancers and established companies alike to create their life’s work.”

WeWork currently operates more than 140 locations across 15 countries, with 14 sites in London home to over 15k members.

Allied London chief exec Michael Ingall commented: “WeWork coming to Manchester is a big story, it is a powerful brand that will help Manchester and us as developers and investors with our inward investment agenda.

“It’s a diverse brand, aimed at corporates as well as creative industries and will significantly expand the choice and offer within Spinningfields.”

Rob Yates, Manchester-based partner and head of office agency at commercial real estate agency Cushman & Wakefield, said of the opening: “The fact that WeWork has chosen Manchester for its first UK office outside the capital is testament to our belief of the underlying strengths of the Manchester offer.

“The pull of the city is immense making it is the obvious destination for occupiers considering the regions, offering quality accommodation, access to a highly skilled young talent pool and a good quality of life.”