Spinningfields tipped for Nabarro base

London law firm Nabarro is rumoured to have made Number 1 The Avenue front runner for its new Manchester office, expected to open before the end of this year.

Nabarro is understood to be close to agreeing a deal for 10,000 sq ft across a single floorplate in space formerly occupied by McGrigors before its merger with Pinsent Masons in 2012. McGrigors is understood to be assigning the remains of its lease to Nabarro, with seven years left on the original 10-year lease.

Nabarro is believed to have looked at space in the nearby 3 Hardman Square as well.

EPIC UK owns the 50,000 sq ft Number 1 The Avenue, with tenants including restaurant Australasia, retailer Armani and finance firm Brewin Dolphin.

In May it was announced that three of Addleshaw Goddard's Manchester team will leave to establish Nabarro's Manchester office. The trio is made up of head of real estate Mark Haywood, commercial property partners Nathan Jansen and Monica Brij.

GVA is advising Nabarro.

All parties declined to comment.