ICO takes 20,000 sq ft at No3 Circle Square

The UK’s data regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office, joins Puma and Auto Trader in Bruntwood SciTech’s soon-to-complete Manchester office building.

The ICO has signed up for 20,000 sq ft at the 267,000 sq ft No3 Circle Square.

The regulator will move to the 15-storey Manchester building from its current base in Wilmslow, where it has been based for 40 years.

The move is expected to happen in autumn 2026.

Jen Green, executive director of strategy and resources at ICO, explained the rationale behind the decision to leave its home of four decades.

“Our relocation to Circle Square will create a working environment that better supports how we operate now and into the future,” she said.

“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.”

No3 Circle Square is expected to complete later this year. So far 170,000 sq ft is spoken for following Puma’s 20,000 sq ft deal and Auto Trader’s 130,000 sq ft letting.

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.”

Knight Frank and Avison Young advised Bruntwood SciTech and the ICO, respectively.