Data regulator the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is moving to Manchester city centre next year.
The ICO will move from its current base in Wilmslow to Bruntwood SciTech’s No.3 Circle Square in autumn next year after agreeing a lease for 20,000 sq ft of space. It’s the latest high-profile arrival at Circle Square, with Puma and Auto Trader also set to relocate to the same building.
The regulator says the move will put it closer to the universities and tech firms on the Oxford Road corridor, helping it to engage with the tech sector and to find new recruits.
The £87 million, 267,000 sq ft innovation hub 3 Circle Square is the latest phase of the wider Circle Square scheme being delivered by Bruntwood SciTech, the joint venture bringing together Bruntwood, L&G and Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
No.1 and No.2 Circle Square have been completed and are fully let. Other innovation-led businesses in the area include Avalere Health, Roku, BlueSkeye AI, and HP Enterprise. The development also has more than 100,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space, with venues including North Tap Room, Half Dozen Other and Onda Pasta Bar.
Jen Green, executive director for strategy and resources at ICO, said: “Our relocation to Circle Square will create a working environment that better supports how we operate now and into the future. The new space will provide a more flexible, collaborative setting for our teams, with improved access to the facilities and connections we need.
“Wilmslow has been a welcome home for the ICO for 40 years, and we will continue to have a small presence in the area beyond next year. Moving to Manchester puts us close to universities and other organisations working in data and digital, and will also support our efforts to attract new and diverse talent and strengthen the way we engage with the wider sector.”
Josh Whiteley, commercial director at Bruntwood SciTech, said: “This latest commitment underlines our vision for Circle Square as a destination of national significance for digital, data and technology-led organisations. The ICO’s decision to relocate its Ƶ headquarters here reflects the strength of Manchester’s knowledge economy and the value of being part of a dynamic innovation community.
“At Circle Square we’ve created an environment that brings together forward-thinking businesses, academic institutions and emerging talent in a place purpose-built for collaboration and growth. Whether they’re global leaders or scaling disruptors, our customers benefit from access to tailored support, a connected ecosystem, and workspace designed to meet the needs of modern, mission-driven organisations.
“Manchester has long been recognised as one of the Ƶ’s most ambitious and innovative cities – and this letting further reinforces its position as a hub for data, digital services and policy leadership. It’s also a significant milestone in Bruntwood SciTech’s mission to support the Ƶ’s knowledge economy through long-term, place-based investment – ensuring that businesses have the infrastructure and community they need to thrive.”
Councillor Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: "We welcome the ICO's decision to make Manchester its new national headquarters. It is further evidence of how attractive our city - with a huge talent pool, access to expertise including from our world class universities, and national and global connections - is proving to employers considering the best place to be.
“This move underlines Manchester's momentum and how Circle Square, which has recently also attracted Puma's national headquarters, is contributing to it."
Knight Frank and Avison Young advised Bruntwood SciTech and the ICO respectively on the new lease.
