WeWork makes statement of intent with Manchester hire

Emma Corcoran has left the St Michael’s Partnership to join WeWork, leading its regional expansion across the UK.

Corcoran, formerly known as Emma Powell, has been appointed director of real estate management, and will be responsible for all deal-making related to the co-working company’s acquisitions.

Since opening its first venue in Manchester in No1 Spinningfields in 2017, WeWork’s expansion has been rapid. In addition to the 60,000 sq ft Spinningfields location, WeWorks include 40,000 sq ft in No1 St Peter’s Square, and 65,000 sq ft in Tesco Pension Fund’s refurbished Dalton Place. The company has confirmed its fourth location as Boultbee Brooks’ 51,000 sq ft Hyphen, and is operating the 91,000 sq ft Hanover House in Noma on behalf of Amazon, which has leased the entirety of the building from Hermes.

WeWork is understood to be looking at various buildings across the city with around 50,000 sq ft available, including One Spinningfields Square, recently vacated by RBS. Corcoran’s recruitment can be seen as a statement of intent for the co-working operator, as Manchester office agents expect WeWork’s expansion to continue at pace.

Prior to joining WeWork, Corcoran worked for two years as development manager at Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs’ propco Relentless Group, operating as the St Michael’s Partnership. She led on business development and securing potential office occupiers for the £200m proposed mixed-use scheme in central Manchester.

The last couple of years have seen an overhaul of the designs for the controversial St Michael’s, with Hodder & Partners taking over from Make as architect, and the project changing from two towers to one, made up of a mix of hotel, office, and leisure uses. Although approved in 2018, a start on site is yet to be confirmed.

Prior to working on St Michael’s, as an office surveyor Corcoran spent two years at Lambert Smith Hampton, and five years at OBI Property.

WeWork declined to comment.

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