Manchester’s largest independent law firm to move to 125 Deansgate
Workforce to be together in same premises for first time in 11 years
JMW, the award-winning, full-service law firm headquartered in Manchester and with offices in London and Liverpool, has signed a 15-year lease with Worthington Mancap LLP, to take up floors 8-11 of the Grade A landmark Manchester building 125 Deansgate.
The move represents a significant investment for JMW and is reflective of the firm’s continued growth.
Currently based in both Byrom Place and Hardman Street in Spinningfields, the region’s largest Manchester-headquartered independent law firm is to unite its workforce in the 42,260 sq. ft. Category A fit-out offices, with the move scheduled to take place in Spring/Summer 2026.
The contemporary office building, with a terracotta facade inspired by the city's industrial heritage and its neighbour the John Rylands Library, is rated EPC A and BREEAM Excellent (WiredScore platinum) and features full height floor to ceiling glazing, as well as a private terrace on the 10th floor, shower facilities, EV charging points, a cycle hub and a cycle repair station.
“This is a seminal move for JMW,” said the firm’s Managing Partner Chris Sutton, “and one which Warren Martin and I, together with the wider Board, have been considering for some time, as the firm has grown to more than 800 people, 614 of them based in Manchester. Deansgate is the main artery in the city and to have our new entrance looking out at the iconic John Rylands library is something I am sure all our people will appreciate.
“We knew we needed a new home that would accommodate, and showcase, our growth and continued success, and 125 Deansgate offers us exactly that. As a leading national law firm, we are delighted to invest in this new office space for our people as we look towards the next chapter for JMW.”
The interiors are to be designed by John Williams, founder of the Manchester-based SpaceInvader, an award-winning workplace design specialist, and will reflect JMW’s aim to create an agile workplace that will rationalise the best use of space for the firm. The space will be a modern, functional and collaborative working space for all at JMW to enjoy.
Oliver Thomas of CBRE will project manage the redesign.
In the past 12 months JMW has redesigned its City of London offices, Kings House, to better accommodate its now 158 members of staff.
JMW was advised on the lease by Andrew Timms, Head of Office Agency at Edwards Property Consultants, and the landlord was represented by Dominic Pozzoni of Colliers. The landlord has recently seen BT move from floors 7-11 at 125 Deansgate and is using Claremont to undertake works on those floors and redesign the ground floor reception space.
Andrew Timms said: “In what is one of the largest and most complex transactions within the Manchester office market this year, this landmark acquisition marks a bold move by JMW as it secures the long-term future of its workplace.
“Having built a strong and trusted relationship over the years, Edwards worked collaboratively with JMW to undertake a comprehensive review of the city centre’s most high-profile office opportunities to find a workplace solution that aligns with the firm’s long-term ambitions.”
Dominic Pozzoni, Head of National Offices for Colliers and acting for the landlord Revcap, added: “We are delighted to have agreed a new long-term lease with JMW, at 125 Deansgate. The landlord has worked in partnership with the JMW team to close the transaction and very much looks forward to welcoming them to their newly refurbished home. 125 Deansgate provides phenomenal office workspace in a prime and highly sought-after city centre location.”