The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK’s independent data and privacy regulator, is set to move its headquarters to Manchester city centre. It has signed a lease for 20,000 sq ft of workspace at Bruntwood SciTech’s No.3 Circle Square, part of an £87 million, 267,000 sq ft innovation hub. The relocation is planned for autumn 2026.
Currently based in Wilmslow, Cheshire, the ICO’s move will bring it to the heart of Manchester’s knowledge quarter, providing direct access to world-class universities and a highly skilled talent pool. This decision supports the ICO’s aim to broaden its reach and tap into a more diverse workforce, while also benefiting from the vibrant urban environment of Circle Square.
No.3 Circle Square has been designed with flexible, collaborative spaces to support modern working practices and enhance employee wellbeing. It will feature amenities such as a shared roof terrace with panoramic views, breakout areas and lounges, high-speed connectivity, 24/7 access, and onsite meeting rooms. Wellbeing and active travel have also been prioritised, with a bespoke gym, secure bike storage, and high-quality shower and changing facilities. The building will open onto Symphony Gardens, a newly landscaped space that complements the neighbouring Symphony Park, promoting biodiversity and offering access to shared green space at Circle Square.
Sustainability is a central focus for No.3 Circle Square, which will be net zero carbon in both construction and the operation of its communal spaces. The building is expected to achieve BREEAM Excellent status, a NABERS 5-star rating, and an EPC A rating. Innovative features include an all-electric heating system with state-of-the-art heat pumps, rooftop solar panels, a smart Building Management System, and Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery units, maximising energy efficiency and fresh air circulation.
The Circle Square neighbourhood, developed by Bruntwood SciTech in partnership with Vita Group, is also home to more than 100,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space, hosting popular venues such as Onda Pasta Bar, North Tap Room, and Federal Cafe Bar.
The ICO’s arrival at Circle Square follows other significant relocations, including PUMA’s UK headquarters and Auto Trader’s commitment to seven floors within the same building. They join a growing cluster of innovation-led organisations, including Avalere Health, Roku, BlueSkeye AI, and HP Enterprise, as well as businesses based in the Tech Incubator. This vibrant collective of global brands, scale-ups, and pioneering start-ups reinforces Circle Square’s status as one of the UK’s most dynamic and collaborative innovation destinations.
Josh Whiteley, Commercial Director at Bruntwood SciTech, said:
“This move 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 here reflects Manchester’s strength as a knowledge economy and the benefits of being part of a dynamic innovation community.
“At Circle Square, we’ve created an environment that brings together forward-thinking businesses, academic institutions, and emerging talent in a place designed for collaboration and growth. Whether they are global leaders or ambitious scale-ups, our customers benefit from tailored support, a connected ecosystem, and workspace designed for modern, mission-driven organisations.
“Manchester has long been recognised as one of the UK’s most ambitious and innovative cities – and this relocation reinforces its position as a hub for data, digital services, and policy leadership. It’s also a significant milestone in Bruntwood SciTech’s mission to support the UK’s knowledge economy through long-term, place-based investment – ensuring that businesses have the infrastructure and community they need to thrive.”
Jen Green, Executive Director of Strategy and Resources at the ICO, added:
“Our relocation to Circle Square will create a working environment that better supports how we operate now and in the future. 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 welcoming 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 closer to universities and other organisations working in data and digital, supporting our efforts to attract new and diverse talent and strengthen our engagement with the wider sector.”
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:
“We welcome the ICO’s decision to make Manchester its new national headquarters. It further demonstrates how attractive our city is to employers – with a huge talent pool, access to world-class universities and expertise, and excellent national and global connections. This move underlines Manchester’s momentum, and how Circle Square, which has also recently attracted PUMA’s national headquarters, is contributing to it.”
Knight Frank and Avison Young advised Bruntwood SciTech and the ICO, respectively.