Global communications group Havas is to open a brand new, state-of-the-art Manchester ‘Village’ after agreeing a lease for 31,500 sq ft of specialist hybrid workspace within one of the city’s largest new developments, at Bruntwood SciTech’s No.3 Circle Square.
The significant, long-term deal will see Havas’ 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 in the heart of Manchester’s knowledge quarter, the Oxford Road Corridor. The agencies’ nearly 500 people will relocate from existing sites on Princess Street and York Street to the soon-to-be-completed No.3 Circle Square in November 2025 following a boutique fit out.
Circle Square is one of Manchester’s most exciting developments and rapidly is becoming a cornerstone of the city’s innovation landscape. Featuring four cutting-edge office buildings, it is home to a diverse mix of global brands and innovative start-ups in creative digital tech, spanning industries including AI, Web3, Internet of Things, blockchain, AR and VR, cloud computing, energy tech and more.
Mark Whelan, Chairman and Group Chief Creative Officer at Havas UK says: “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 at Havas Lynx says: “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 for Bruntwood SciTech says: “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.”
James Dickinson, Director at Canning O’Neill added: “Our relationship with Havas goes back almost 20 years having originally let space to them on Princess Street which has grown steadily over the years to become Havas Village. It has been fantastic to be involved in this next chapter as they embark on creating an even better campus.”
