AXA plumps for flex in Manchester office relocation

The insurance giant is the first company to sign up for space with Gilbanks’ 34,000 sq ft St Michael’s space, exiting around 6,000 sq ft on King Street.

AXA has relocated its Manchester office to Relentless and KKR’s 180,000 sq ft St Michael’s development in Manchester, where Gilbanks will open its second and largest site in the city.

AXA, which has signed a “multi-year contract” will move 81 staff from 82 King Street to the £400m St Michael’s. The insurer will join the likes of Pinsent Masons and Hill Dickinson, which have committed to conventional space within the building.

Mary Heatherington, group property and procurement director from AXA UK, explained the thinking behind the move.

“No.1 St Michael’s offers us flexible office space in a prime city location, plus great transport links to make travel easy for our colleagues. We look forward to moving in early next year and enjoying its many benefits.”

Alex Duckett, managing director of Gilbanks, said AXA’s decision to take flex space was driven by the quality of the St Michael’s scheme.

“The team at AXA has chosen our flexible workspace over a traditional office lease to occupy the most exciting office in Manchester,” he said.

“This is a clear statement that they want the very best working environment for their employees and to attract the best new talent in the future. We look forward to welcoming them to the community.”

Anthony Kilbride, chief executive at Relentless Developments, said: “It’s great to see a respected name like AXA moving their team to No.1 St Michael’s.

“Gilbanks has created a class-leading professional workspace that will attract innovative companies that want to give their teams the best possible working environment.”