• Grosvenor has started on site on the repositioning of The Hive in Manchester’s Northern Quarter 

• As part of the 78,000 sq. ft landmark office building’s refurbishment, 25,500 sq. ft of new flexible workspace will be delivered alongside a hospitality-led amenity offer

• The site marks Grosvenor’s first directly managed flexible workspace outside London, targeting launch in autumn 2026
• Flexible workspace specialists, x+why, appointed to operate over 22,000 sq. ft, building on its existing partnership with Grosvenor at Fivefields in London 

Grosvenor’s UK property business has started on site on the repositioning of The Hive in Manchester’s Northern Quarter as part of its £40m regional refurbishment programme, marking an exciting next step for the asset and the organisation’s first directly managed flexible workspace outside London.

The landmark Lever Street building is being reimagined as a destination workplace, delivering 25,500 sq ft of flexible workspace alongside premium amenities tailored to Manchester’s digital and creative industries. At ground floor level, a new deli and restaurant fronting Lever Street will anchor the offer, both operated by well-known Manchester names.

The Hive sits within Grosvenor’s c.500,000 sq. ft regional office portfolio, which spans Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Leeds. Launched in 2020, the portfolio leverages Grosvenor’s deep expertise from managing its London estate to create best-in-class offices in the UK’s most economically active regional cities. This approach has seen sustained demand and the portfolio is currently 90% occupied. 

Grosvenor has appointed B Corp certified premium commercial amenity and workspace provider x+why under a management agreement to operate over 22,000 sq. ft of flexible workspace within the building. The appointment builds on the two organisations’ established partnership at Fivefields in London’s Victoria, where x+why has operated Grosvenor’s social impact-led flexible workspace in Victoria since 2023. x+why will deliver a high-quality, community-led design, a curated events and wellbeing programme, and a premium service offer.

Manchester remains one of the UK’s strongest regional office markets, supported by a deep talent pool, inward business migration and demand for high-quality, well-located space. Grosvenor has seen sustained leasing momentum in the city, with Ship Canal House nearing full occupancy following a series of new lettings and renewals.

Fergus Evans, Office Portfolio Director, Grosvenor Property UK, said:

“The Hive is a strong example of what our regional offices strategy is designed to deliver, taking a prime asset in a great location and repositioning it to meet the evolving needs of today’s occupiers. 

“Across the portfolio, our ambition is to deliver best-in-class workspace that combines high-quality design, strong sustainability credentials, hospitality-style service and a compelling amenity offer. Manchester continues to perform strongly for us, and our investment in The Hive reflects sustained demand for well-located, high-quality offices, particularly from the city’s growing digital and creative economy.

“Combining x+why’s experience in creating design‑led, community‑focused workspaces with our approach to active asset management, we are well placed to deliver a distinctive, flexible offer that responds to local demand, broadens our occupier mix and strengthens the long-term resilience of our regional portfolio.”

Rupert Dean, CEO and co-founder of x+why, said:

“We are delighted to be partnering with Grosvenor again to bring The Hive into its next chapter, following our successful partnership at Fivefields in London. It’s a building with a strong identity and history within Manchester’s creative community, and we see a huge opportunity to further that legacy.

“Our focus is on creating spaces where work, hospitality and community come together seamlessly. The Northern Quarter is one of the most exciting and entrepreneurial parts of the UK, and The Hive will reflect that energy, offering a workspace that is not only functional, but inspiring and socially driven.”

The Hive is set to launch in autumn 2026. Further information can be found here.

ENDS

About Grosvenor Property UK

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Grosvenor is an international organisation whose activities span urban property, food and agtech, rural estate management, and support for philanthropic initiatives. With a near-350-year track record, we are committed to delivering lasting commercial, social, and environmental benefits, meeting today’s needs while taking responsibility for those of future generations. 

Our UK property business supports around 1,000 businesses and thousands of residents and workers across London’s West End, while also investing in sustainable neighbourhoods across England. As a company aligned with the 1.5°C climate target, we pioneer change and innovation in urban development, ensuring our places benefit both people and the planet in the long term.

About x+why

• x+why is a commercial hospitality operator with a difference - they are on a mission to change the way the world meets and works for good, by building a community of purpose-driven companies, leaders, and movements across their inspiring and innovative sites.
• x+why was created to connect inspiring businesses and entrepreneurs that seek more than just profit, as a certified B Corp x+why perfectly reflects the needs of the modern professional. 
• x+why currently have twelve impressive spaces across London, Birmingham, Manchester and Milton Keynes - with The Hive in Manchester opening September 2026 
• Members can choose from private offices, enterprise suites, co-working and breakout spaces, F&B led Clubspace memberships, meeting rooms and event spaces. They also enjoy a shared cultural calendar of events and programmes.
• x+why hosts a diverse mix of organisations; including B Lab UK, London Interdisciplinary School, Capgemini, Lloyds Banking Group and The Better Business Network.  

www.xandwhy.co.uk