FEC, the developer driving the Victoria North regeneration scheme, is relocating its UK headquarters to the newly refurbished Pall Mall building in Manchester city centre. The company has secured 4,992 square feet of fully fitted and furnished workspace at the 1960s King Street property, which has been redeveloped by Bruntwood SciTech.
Simultaneously, the architecture firm behind the £33 million refurbishment, Sheppard Robson, is also moving into the building. The practice has agreed to a lease for 9,956 square feet spread across two floors.
Strategic expansion in Manchester
Victoria North, one of the government's seven new towns, will see 15,000 homes built across 390 acres. Gavin Taylor, managing director at FEC, highlighted the significance of the move: “Establishing our UK headquarters at Pall Mall marks an important milestone as we continue to grow our presence in Manchester. The city is central to our long-term strategy, and this move enables us to bring our team together in a high-quality, flexible environment that reflects our ambitions and ongoing investment into Manchester and the wider region.”
Tony O’Brien, partner at Sheppard Robson, commented on the firm's relocation: “We have had an office in Manchester for over 25 years, with a diversified portfolio of work across the region contributing to the growth of our 100-strong studio. Our deep retrofit of Pall Mall is the perfect new home for the office’s next chapter and a statement of intent, embodying many areas of our expertise – from shaping engaging interiors and amenities to creating meaningful new public spaces.”
Additional lettings across Bruntwood SciTech portfolio
Alongside the Pall Mall deals, Bruntwood SciTech confirmed two further lettings in its city centre portfolio. Experience innovation business Valtech is taking 3,000 square feet at King’s House. Additionally, a large-scale global credit rating agency has agreed a 19,400 square foot, 10-year lease at 5 New York Street, after six years in Bruntwood SciTech’s serviced space at Bloc.
Jack Harrison, senior commercial surveyor at Bruntwood SciTech, said: “These lettings underline our approach to creating places that not only honour Manchester’s architectural heritage, but also support the next generation of innovative businesses. Securing customers like Sheppard Robson and FEC, who already play an important role in the city’s growth, is a clear endorsement of both the building and the wider ecosystem we’re continuing to develop across the city centre; providing the environment, connectivity and community businesses need to grow.
“The breadth of lettings across our Manchester city centre portfolio highlights the continued demand we’re seeing from businesses seeking well-designed, future-ready workspace that can support their evolving needs. From fitted and furnished suites through to larger leased spaces, we’re focused on providing environments that enable companies to scale, collaborate and connect into Manchester’s thriving innovation ecosystem.”
Savills acted for Sheppard Robson, while LEVEL Agents represented FEC.
