Manchester Office Agents Forum (MOAF) Q3 2026 figures released
The third quarter of 2026 saw 155,297 sq ft of office space transacted across 50 deals, according to data from the Manchester Office Agents Forum (MOAF). Whilst the number of deals remained consistent with previous quarters, the total sq ft transacted is down on the 184,500 sq ft recorded in Q2, and significantly lower than required to hit the 5-year annual average of 1.1m sq ft. Despite a consistent number of transactions, the lack of larger transactions was notable and has therefore stifled take-up in Q3. The largest transaction saw Deliveroo commit to 24,975 sq ft at Tootal Building, advised by CBRE, followed by Dechra taking 14,331 sq ft at Bruntwood’s No.3 Circle Square. Leanord Curtis also acquired 10,027 sq ft Eden, developed by MUSE. Matt Shufflebottom, Director at CBRE commented; “There is no hiding from the fact Q3 was a poor performance for the city centre office market and we are behind target to hit our 5-year average of 1.1m sq ft. However, positivity should be taken by the number of deals recorded, demonstrating an active market sub 10,000 sq ft, and we expect the larger transactions to return in Q4 to boost year-end figures.” Matt added; “The pace of decision making by occupiers has affected the market, however there are generally good levels of demand and we are therefore confident that take-up will bounce back across Q4 and into 2027.” Out-of-town office take-up was 182,281 sq ft, made up of 54,137 sq ft in Salford Quays & Old Trafford and 128,142 sq ft in South Manchester. The quarter saw two notable larger transactions complete. Siemens plc acquired 36,922 sq ft at Towers Business Park in Didsbury whilst in Salford Quays, AM London leased 31,250 sq ft at Centenary House. John Nash, Director at Canning O’Neill commented: “The out-of-town take-up for the period has been very much in line with the quarterly average over the last five years across both markets, so it’s fair to describe it as a steady and resilient market.” On the supply side, he added: “A number of office buildings are continuing to be repurposed for alternative uses, creating a more balanced market and reducing the volume of secondary stock. As occupiers remain focused on quality, this is providing greater confidence for landlords to invest, refurbish and reposition space to meet evolving occupier requirements.” MOAF was formed in 2009, and members include Avison Young, Carter Jonas, CBRE, Colliers International, Canning O’Neill, Cushman & Wakefield, Edwards Property Consultants, Fisher German, Hallam Property Consultants, JLL, Knight Frank, LSH, OBI, Savills, and Sixteen. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
POD Management Achieves Investors in People Gold Accreditation Following First Assessment
The award-winning property management company has been recognised for its people-first culture, with assessors highlighting strong relationships, employee development and the link between workplace values and business performance. POD Management has achieved Investors in People Gold accreditation following its first assessment, with assessors describing the result as “truly exceptional”. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the property management company. Investors in People is a widely recognised accreditation that independently assesses how effectively organisations lead, support and develop their people. Gold is awarded to a small proportion of accredited organisations and represents a high level of achievement, making it a particularly meaningful recognition of POD’s commitment to its colleagues. Assessors recognised the strength of POD’s culture and leadership, its commitment to developing people and the passion its teams bring to serving clients, customers and residents. Following the assessment, they highlighted strong relationships across the organisation and clear alignment between the company’s values and colleagues’ everyday experiences, alongside the link between its people practices and business outcomes. The findings also recognised how POD’s values are embedded in its wider business strategy, with a strong sense of pride and ownership across the organisation. Commenting on the achievement, David Goldberg, CEO of POD Management, said: “What makes me proudest isn’t the accreditation itself, but what it represents. From the beginning, we wanted POD’s values to shape how we work, how we lead and how we support one another. We’ve worked hard to build a business where people matter, relationships matter and culture matters. Seeing that recognised so strongly through an independent assessment is incredibly rewarding. This achievement belongs to everyone who has helped shape POD into what it is today.” POD believes that investing in its people is fundamental to delivering high standards across its property management services. A supportive culture helps teams take pride in their work, maintain high standards on site and approach their responsibilities with care and attention to detail. In turn, this contributes to more effective building management, stronger safety practices and better outcomes for the residents who rely on those services. Ryan Collier, Chief Operating Officer, said: “I’ve always believed very passionately that great results start with great people. Every day, our teams across POD are focused on high standards of safety, making the customer journey exceptional and continually striving to be proactive and one step ahead. What makes this accreditation particularly meaningful to me is that it recognises the connection between our people and our results. The standards we achieve across the business are only possible because of our people-first approach and the commitment, care and professionalism of our teams.” Furthermore, Gracia Horwitz, Head of People at POD Management, added: “Building a great place to work isn’t about one initiative or one department. It’s about people choosing every day to collaborate, support one another and contribute to something bigger than their individual role. From our site leaders to our People Team, Health and Safety Team, Wellbeing Committee and colleagues across the business, everyone plays a part in creating a culture where people feel valued and able to succeed.” The accreditation recognises the collective effort of POD’s colleagues and reinforces the company’s commitment to ensuring its values continue to shape how it leads and supports its people. As the business grows, POD will continue to build on the assessment’s findings and work towards Investors in People Platinum status. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Avove begins work on Northumbrian Water’s £13 million pipeline scheme
Avove has commenced work on a £13 million scheme for Northumbrian Water that will support environmental improvements across the North East. The project comprises a new 3.5km pipeline linking Northumbrian Water’s Sedgeletch Sewage Treatment Works, between Bournmoor and New Herrington, to the River Wear. The scheme includes a new pumping station within the treatment works, underground pipework and a new treated water discharge point at the river. Once complete, the new pipeline will transfer treated water that is currently discharged into the Herrington Burn to the River Wear. Moving the discharge point will help protect the burn, while the larger river will provide greater dilution and dispersion as the treated water returns to the environment. The scheme will integrate new civil, mechanical and electrical infrastructure, including pumping, transfer and outfall assets, creating a modern and resilient effluent transfer route designed to support long-term environmental compliance and reliable operation of the treatment works. Construction is expected to be completed in March 2027. The project represents the first of three planned environmental improvement projects in the area as part of Northumbrian Water’s wider investment programme. Colin Butler, Framework Director at Avove, said: “As Northumbrian Water’s delivery partner, we are proud to be delivering a project that will provide long-term environmental benefits for local communities and watercourses. “Drawing on our expertise in water infrastructure, the scheme will deliver a new pumping station, pipeline and discharge point that supports Northumbrian Water’s wider programme of environmental investment. We look forward to working closely with the local community and stakeholders as construction progresses.” Christopher Bond, Project Manager at Northumbrian Water, said: “This work in the Sedgeletch area is part of a £1.7bn investment in work that will benefit the environment, being carried out across a five-year period to 2030. Local projects like this all come together to make a big difference for our region and we know they are important to communities across the North East.” The project forms part of Avove’s ongoing partnership with Northumbrian Water to deliver infrastructure improvements that protect the environment and enhance water quality for local communities and waterways. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Reynaers shortlisted in two categories at the G-Awards
Reynaers Aluminium UK has been shortlisted in two categories at this year’s prestigious G-Awards, recognising both the innovative projects its systems help deliver and the support it provides to customers. Reynaers has been recognised in the G Awards shortlist in the Commercial Project of the Year category for its involvement in the landmark Greenheys life science building, and for Sales & Marketing Initiative of the Year, for its Building Safety Act Campaign. Working closely with long-standing partner RED Systems, Reynaers provided approximately 5,000m2 of its ConceptWall 50 (CW 50) curtain walling for the £60m Greenheys development at Manchester Science Park. The six-storey, 131,000 sq ft building is the new headquarters for UK Biobank and the most scientifically capable building in Bruntwood SciTech’s portfolio. Designed by BDP and delivered by contractor Willmott Dixon, the building features a full wrap-around curtain wall with curved-on-plan glazing, an anodised finishes and bespoke vertical and horizontal feature fins. Reynaers’ Building Safety Act campaign – Compliance from the Ground Up – was launched to support architects, specifiers and fabricators in navigating regulatory change from concept through to completion. At the centre of the campaign is Reynaers’ RIBA-accredited CPD: Mastering the Building Safety Act that has reached more than 1,000 architects to date. Reynaers also became a GQA-accredited training centre and introduced DigiTrace product passports to provide transparent and traceable information. Samantha Hill, Head of Marketing at Reynaers Aluminium UK, said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted in two categories at this year’s G-Awards, recognising both the projects our systems helped to deliver and the support we provide to customers. “Greenheys shows what is possible when a system supplier, fabricator and project team work together from the earliest stages and Compliance from the Ground Up reflects our decision to invest in expertise, education and practical support at a time when the industry has faced real pressure and change. I’d like to thank the G-Awards team and wish everyone shortlisted the very best of luck.” Now in its 22nd year, the G-Awards are a leading accolade in the glass and glazing industry, recognising innovation and excellence across 14 categories. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the London Hilton on Park Lane on Friday 27 November 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Glenbrook Secures Gateway 2 Approval for Landmark 44-Storey Manchester Tower as Domis Prepares for Construction
Developer Glenbrook has secured Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) for its landmark 44-storey residential tower in Manchester, clearing a major regulatory hurdle and paving the way for Domis to commence construction in 2027. The 364-home development on Whitworth Street West, close to Deansgate station, has now secured planning permission, funding and the necessary building safety approval, providing a clear route towards delivering one of the latest additions to Manchester’s rapidly evolving skyline. Designed by architectural practice Sheppard Robson, the scheme will become Glenbrook’s tallest development to date and represents a significant addition to the company’s expanding residential portfolio across Greater Manchester. The project has also received an important financial boost, with Glenbrook securing £17 million from the Greater Manchester Good Growth Fund to address a development viability gap and help bring the scheme forward. The funding support highlights the challenges facing major residential developments, particularly high-rise projects where construction costs, regulatory requirements and financial viability continue to influence delivery programmes. With Gateway 2 approval now secured, the project can progress towards its construction phase, with Domis lined up to deliver the development. The 44-storey tower will provide 364 new homes alongside residential amenity facilities and improvements to the surrounding public realm, contributing to the continued regeneration of Manchester’s southern city centre. Its location close to Deansgate railway station and the Metrolink network places the development within one of Manchester’s best-connected residential and commercial districts, providing convenient access to employment, retail, leisure and hospitality destinations. The scheme will also contribute to the ongoing transformation of the area surrounding Whitworth Street West, where residential development continues to reshape former commercial and underutilised urban sites. Securing Gateway 2 approval represents a particularly important milestone under the Building Safety Act framework, which requires higher-risk residential buildings to receive regulatory approval before relevant construction work can begin. The process involves detailed scrutiny of building designs and safety arrangements, placing greater responsibility on developers, contractors and design teams to demonstrate compliance before progressing to the construction stage. Daniel Roberts, Development Director at Glenbrook, welcomed the approval and emphasised the importance of building safety throughout the project. “Health and safety is of paramount importance to Glenbrook and securing Gateway 2 approval represents a crucial milestone for Whitworth Street West, our tallest building to date,” he said. “The approval reflects the significant work undertaken by our team and project partners to progress the scheme through the BSR’s rigorous approvals process.” Roberts added that the milestone provides the confidence needed to advance the development towards construction. “We can now move into the next phase of delivery as we work towards bringing this landmark development forward and making a start on site in 2027.” The Whitworth Street West project will further strengthen Glenbrook’s presence in Greater Manchester, where its residential portfolio already includes Vox, Trilogy, High Definition, Duet and Lumina Village. The developer has established a growing track record of delivering residential schemes across the region, contributing to the expansion of Manchester’s urban housing market and the creation of new city centre neighbourhoods. For Domis, the anticipated construction appointment would represent another substantial high-rise residential project in Manchester, with the 44-storey building adding to the pipeline of major developments planned across the city. The project also reflects the continued importance of public and private sector collaboration in unlocking residential investment, with the £17 million Good Growth Fund contribution helping overcome financial barriers that might otherwise delay delivery. With the key regulatory and financial requirements now in place, attention will turn towards construction mobilisation and the planned 2027 start on site. Once delivered, the development will provide 364 additional homes within central Manchester, reinforcing the city’s ongoing residential growth and adding a prominent new landmark to its skyline. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RED Group Steps In to Complete £50m Landmark London Office Retrofit Following Ardmore Collapse
RED Group has been appointed to complete the £50 million transformation of 5 Chancery Lane in central London, providing a major boost to the landmark office refurbishment following the collapse of original main contractor Ardmore Construction Group. The appointment by developer LS Estates will see RED Group’s London division take responsibility for delivering the remaining construction works, with completion now targeted for the first quarter of 2027. The project, located in one of the capital’s established commercial districts, represents a significant investment in the refurbishment and repositioning of existing office accommodation, responding to continued demand for high-quality, sustainable workplaces in central London. Ardmore Construction Group originally commenced work on the development in early 2024, but construction was brought to a halt when the contractor entered administration in June. The interruption created uncertainty around the delivery programme, making the appointment of a replacement contractor an important milestone in bringing the redevelopment back on track. RED Group will now oversee the remaining construction activities, working alongside LS Estates and the existing project supply chain to progress the scheme towards completion. The contractor’s appointment reflects the growing importance of experience, financial stability and effective project management when taking over complex refurbishment schemes, particularly where construction has already commenced under a previous contractor. Ian Hopkinson, Group Director at RED Group, highlighted the challenges involved in restarting a major commercial redevelopment and the importance of maintaining continuity for the wider project team. “A refurbishment of this size and importance requires vast experience and the ability to quickly onboard for the benefit of the project’s supply chain and eventual occupier,” he said. “This appointment showcases our capabilities, as a stable, collaborative contractor well-positioned to take on complex schemes and provide important solutions for clients.” For LS Estates, the redevelopment remains an important part of its strategy to deliver modern, sustainable commercial accommodation while retaining the architectural character and heritage of existing London buildings. The transformation of 5 Chancery Lane also reflects the wider shift within the capital’s office development market towards upgrading and repositioning existing assets rather than relying exclusively on new-build construction. Across central London, major refurbishment and retrofit programmes are increasingly being driven by occupier expectations surrounding environmental performance, workplace quality, energy efficiency and long-term building flexibility. These considerations are particularly relevant for older commercial properties, where investment in modernisation can help extend building lifecycles and strengthen their appeal within an increasingly competitive office market. Rowan Jenkins, Managing Director at LS Estates, reaffirmed the developer’s commitment to completing the project and delivering a sustainable workplace. “LS Estates remain firmly committed to delivering 5 Chancery Lane as a sustainable office building that meets the strong demand in London’s office market,” he said. “As demand for market-leading workspaces in the capital continues to grow, it remains crucial to prioritise upgrades which maintain cultural heritage and lead on sustainability.” Jenkins added that RED Group’s appointment provided renewed confidence in the project’s delivery, with the developer looking forward to working closely with the contractor to bring the building back into use during 2027. The scheme also demonstrates the importance of maintaining investment in London’s existing commercial building stock, particularly as developers and property owners seek to improve asset performance and respond to evolving sustainability requirements. For RED Group, the contract represents a significant addition to its London construction portfolio and an opportunity to demonstrate its expertise in delivering complex refurbishment projects under challenging circumstances. With a new main contractor appointed and the development programme refocused, the £50 million transformation of 5 Chancery Lane is now moving towards its anticipated completion in early 2027, delivering another upgraded commercial property within London’s prime office market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals