Global communications group Havas has signed for 31,500 sq ft of hybrid workspace at Bruntwood SciTech’s No.3 Circle Square office scheme in Manchester.
The deal will see Havas’s six Manchester-based agencies – Havas Lynx (healthcare communications), Havas Media Network (media), Havas Red (PR and social), Prose on Pixels (production), Conran Design Group (brand and design) and Havas People (employer marketing and employee experience) – come together under one roof.
Nearly 500 employees will relocate from existing sites on Princess Street and York Street to No.3 Circle Square in November this year following a boutique fit-out.
Mark Whelan, chairman and group chief creative officer of Havas UK, said: “The ambitious regeneration of this great city makes Manchester the most exciting place in the UK right now. Although as a proud Mancunian, I might be biased. The new Havas Village Manchester – a modern, sustainable, hybrid space at the heart of the city’s innovation district – underlines our commitment to the North. It’s designed, like all Havas Villages, to drive collaboration and creativity – not just internally, but within the burgeoning local community. We’re thrilled to be part of it.”
Claire Knapp, CEO of Havas Lynx, added: “Circle Square’s location within the digital, science, tech and innovation hub of Manchester aligns perfectly with our business. And for our people, this vibrant, modern community of likeminded businesses, hospitality, arts and cultural venues and ample green space is hugely appealing.
“As a proud University of Manchester alumnus, I am particularly excited by the opportunity to forge even closer ties with UoM – educating, inspiring and attracting the young talent pool of the future. From joining Havas Lynx on its graduate programme 14 years ago, to being promoted to CEO in 2022 and delivering the commencement speech at the UoM’s graduation ceremony in 2024, I can personally attest to the power and potential of this relationship.”
Josh Whiteley, commercial director at Bruntwood SciTech, said: “Circle Square continues to prove itself as one of Manchester’s leading locations for forward-thinking, ambitious businesses, as we welcome Havas as the latest business to join the thriving ecosystem. In moving to the neighbourhood, they will be able to benefit from connections to other like-minded businesses, access highly-skilled talent, tailored support, and workspaces that help drive productivity and we’re really excited to see how this – alongside the bringing together of their different brands – will help drive forward their growth in the coming months and years.”
