The UK’s independent data protection and freedom of information regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), is set to relocate its headquarters to Manchester city centre, having agreed a lease for 20,000 sq ft of high-quality workspace at Bruntwood SciTech’s No.3 Circle Square.
A landmark development at the heart of the city’s knowledge quarter, the £87 million, 267,000 sq ft innovation hub is the latest phase of the Circle Square neighbourhood to be brought forward. The building is being delivered by Bruntwood SciTech, the UK’s largest property platform dedicated to the growth of the innovation, tech, and science sectors, in a joint venture between Bruntwood, L&G and Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
The ICO plays a vital role in empowering people through information. The move from the regulator’s base which it has held since being founded, in Wilmslow, Cheshire, will see it establish its new national headquarters within the 15-storey development. The ICO expects to move to Manchester in autumn 2026.
Relocating to the Oxford Road Corridor places the regulator at the heart of one of Europe’s most dynamic knowledge quarters, offering direct access to Manchester’s world-leading universities, a highly skilled graduate talent pool, and a vibrant urban environment. The move supports the organisation’s ambition to access a broader and more diverse talent pool, enabled by Manchester’s excellent connectivity and position at the heart of a vibrant, tech-driven community at Circle Square. Alongside its flexible floorplates, No.3 Circle Square has been designed to promote collaboration, support flexible ways of working, and enhance employee wellbeing.
The ICO’s arrival at this growing community follows a series of significant moves that continue to drive momentum. This includes global sportswear brand PUMA, which is relocating its UK headquarters to No.3 Circle Square, and Auto Trader, the UK’s largest digital automotive marketplace, which has committed to seven floors within the same building.
It joins an established cluster of innovation-led businesses already based at Circle Square, including Avalere Health, Roku, BlueSkeye AI, and HP Enterprise, as well as those located in the dedicated startup Tech Incubator – all contributing to a thriving ecosystem of technology, health, digital and creative leaders. This growing collective of global brands, scale-ups and pioneering start-ups reflects Circle Square’s position as one of the UK’s most vibrant and collaborative destinations for innovation.
Workspace, wellbeing and sustainability combined
The development of No.3 Circle Square follows the successful completion of the fully-let No.1 and No.2 Circle Square and forms part of an ongoing £243 million investment across seven assets currently being built or undergoing refurbishment in Manchester city centre by Bruntwood SciTech, including Pall Mall, King’s House, 117-119 Portland Street, and Greenheys at Manchester Science Park, as well as Citylabs 4.0, which officially opened its doors in March.
No.3 Circle Square will include a shared roof terrace with expansive views across the city, breakout spaces and lounges, 24/7 access with high-speed connectivity, dedicated onsite security, and access to on-site meeting rooms.
Wellbeing and active travel have also been prioritised, with a bespoke gym, secure bike storage and high-quality shower and changing facilities also included. The building will also open onto Symphony Gardens; a newly landscaped space designed to complement the neighbouring Symphony Park and promote biodiversity and provide access to shared green space at Circle Square.
A joint venture between Bruntwood SciTech and Vita Group, the Circle Square neighbourhood also offers more than 100,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space, including Manchester-favourite Onda Pasta Bar, North Tap Room, Half Dozen Other and Federal Cafe Bar.
Sustainability is one of the core principles in the design of No.3 Circle Square as part of Bruntwood SciTech’s net zero carbon commitments. The building will be net zero carbon in both its construction and operation of its communal spaces, and is expected to achieve BREEAM Excellent status, as well as a NABERS 5-star rating and an EPC A rating. Its innovative features to maximise energy efficiency and improve fresh air and climate control for those within the building include an all-electric heating system with state-of-the-art heat pumps, roof mounted solar panelling, a smart Building Management System (BMS) and local Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) units.
Josh Whiteley, Commercial Director, 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 UK 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 UK’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 UK’s knowledge economy through long-term, place-based investment – ensuring that businesses have the infrastructure and community they need to thrive.”
Jen Green, Executive Director - 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.”
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.
