SGi expands Manchester office

Doubling its footprint in the city centre, the engineering firm will occupy both the third and fourth floors at Phoenix House off Cross Street.

SGi Consulting Engineers’ head office expansion in Manchester follows a lease renewal at the office complex for another five years. With the lease signed, the firm will operate out of 3,200 sq ft at Phoenix House.

The firm stated that it needed the additional space because, while it offers hybrid working for its employees, most opt to commute to the office every day.

Having more staff in the office has its benefits well, with the company stating that the preference for in-office working has made it easier for people to collaborate and for younger staff to learn from those more experienced.

That mentor aspect will become more important down the line, with SGi hoping to grow Manchester-based staff numbers from 25 to 30 over the next few years.

Freeths acted for SGi on the deal, with Edwards Property Consultants and JLL represented the landlord, a private group of trustees.

Reflecting on the lease renewal and expansion, SGi managing director Emyr Jones said: “Over the past 10 years SGi Consulting Engineers have seen a steady growth which has continued despite headwinds in the development and construction market over the last 12 months.

“The number of projects that have been instructed during 2024 provides us with the confidence to invest in growth,” he continued.

“The additional space in Phoenix House provides a comfortable workspace for all existing staff to collaborate and will help us attract the calibre of team members required to maintain growth.”

Current and recent projects for SGi include Cityheart and Wigan Council’s £135m Wigan Galleries, Trafford Council and Bruntwood’s £250m Lumina Village, and Placefirst’s £43m Welsh Streets regeneration scheme in Liverpool.