WeWork signs at No.1 Spinningfields
Co-working pioneer WeWork is to base its first UK operation outside London in No.1 Spinningfields, where it has signed for 60,000 sq ft.
WeWork’s Manchester location is the 20th WeWork announced in the UK – 14 locations are already operational in London, with a total of more than 15,000 members.
Since being launched in New York in 2010, it has grown to 140-plus locations across 15 countries and 45 cities, providing services for more than 120,000 global members.
Joe Gaunt, UK managing director for WeWork, 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.”
Michael Ingall, chief executive of Allied London, added: “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.”
Ahead of the opening, entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs from the Manchester area will be able to take part in WeWork’s Creator Awards programme, which offers grants totalling $20m for businesses to grow.
Place North West understands that WeWork is looking to add two further locations in Manchester.
The deal follows confirmation last week that law firm Weightmans has agreed terms on 18,000 sq ft at No. 1 Spinningfields. The 300,000 sq ft landmark is the city’s tallest commercial building of the last 50 years and is due to reach completion this autumn. OBI Property represents Allied on the building.
