The North West In my view, Dan Rodgers head of agency at Roger Hannah Manchester Dan Rodgers
The North West property market continues to show a clear divide between the performance of the industrial sector and the office mar- ket, although both are evolving in response to changing occupier demands, economic pres- sures, and wider shifts in how businesses operate. The industrial and logistics sector remains the strongest-performing part of the commercial property market across the North West. Locations such as Manchester, Warrington
and parts of Cheshire continue to benefit from strong infrastructure links, access to labour, and proximity to major motorway networks. Demand for modern warehouse and distribution space has remained relatively resilient, particularly from logistics operators, manufacturers, and com- panies linked to e-commerce and supply chain distribution. In my opin- ion, one of the key drivers behind the continued strength of the indus- trial market is the shortage of good-quality stock. There is still a lack of modern, energy-efficient industrial space in many established locations, particularly units between 40,000 sq ft and 100,000 sq ft. While specu- lative development has continued in some areas, higher construction costs, elevated interest rates, and access to a POWER have slowed the delivery of new schemes. As a result, rental levels for prime industrial space have continued to rise, although the pace of growth has started to stabilise compared to the rapid increases seen immediately after the pandemic. Another major trend is the increasing importance of ESG and sustainability requirements. Occupiers are now placing far greater emphasis on energy efficiency, EPC ratings, solar power, and overall operating costs. Older industrial properties that require significant re- furbishment are becoming more difficult to lease unless landlords are prepared to invest capital into upgrades. This is creating a widening gap betweenprime and secondary industrial stock. The office market across the NorthWest presents a more mixed picture. Manchester city centre remains one of the strongest regional office markets in the UK,
Award-Winning Garden yo take Root at Mayfield, Manchester’s Growing Green District
The transformation of Manchester’s Mayfield district continues at pace following planning approval for the installation of a gold-medal-winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden between Mayfield Park and Piccadilly Station. Designed by Tom Massey Studio and Je Ahn of Studio Weave for the 2025 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the garden has been reimagined for Mayfield by Studio Egret West, master-planners of the Mayfield district and designers of the Mayfield Park.
This garden, which will include public seating and space for people to pause and spend time in nature, is a key part of the programme to create a complete green corridor that links the 6.5-acre Mayfield Park, opened in 2022, with Piccadilly Station.
The news comes as Mayfield is highlighted in a new report from the TRUUD (Tackling the Root Causes of Unhealthy Urban Development) research programme led by Henley Business School, which estimates that over 25 years after the development is completed, it will generate £274 million in health economic savings over 25 years.
The report said these major benefits – the equivalent of nearly £11 million a year – come from the addition of substantial green space, the incor- poration of flood mitigation measures, the large new population living at Mayfield and the long-term dereliction of Mayfield before regeneration got underway.
Revised plans have also been submitted to Manchester City Council for the Poulton, the second office building next to the Republic, currently under construction. A separate transport hub will provide 380 bike spaces for the city. These buildings form part of the first phase of the new £1.5bn Mayfield district.
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with demand still focused on high-quality Grade A space. In my view, the best office buildings continue to perform well because businesses are using office space differently than before. Companies are general- ly taking less space overall, but they are willing to pay a premium for better-quality offices with strong amenities, sustainability credentials, and locations that help attract staff back into the workplace. However, secondary office stock is facing significant challenges. Hybrid working patterns remain firmly established, and many occupiers are reassessing their long-term space requirements. This has led to higher vacancy rates in older offices that lack modern facilities or strong environmental per- formance. In many regional town centres across the North West, there is growing pressure on landlords to either refurbish outdated office build- ings or consider alternative uses such as residential conversion.
Financing conditions also remain a challenge across both sectors. High- er borrowing costs have impacted investment activity and development viability, particularly for speculative schemes. Investors are being more selective, focusing primarily on assets with strong income security, qual- ity tenants, and opportunities for future rental growth.
Overall, my view is that the North West market remains fundamental- ly strong, particularly within industrial and logistics property. The office sector is still adjusting to structural changes in workplace behaviour, but demand for best-in-class space remains healthy. Going forward, the suc- cess of both sectors will increasingly depend on quality, sustainability, and the ability of landlords to adapt assets to changing occupier expec- tations. At Roger Hannah we remain active across both sectors, advising a range of landlord and occupier clients on their future property plans.
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Peel NRE appoints demolition contractor at Fiddlers Ferry as regeneration accelerates
Peel NRE has appointed DSM Demolition Ltd to manage the next significant phase of demolition at the ex-Fiddlers Ferry Power Station, marking the latest step in the transformational regeneration of one of the UK’s most recognisable industrial sites.
DSM, with decades of experience in the decommissioning and demolition of large-scale industrial and power generation facilities, will execute this next phase of the demolition programme, preparing the site for future development. Demolition work is well underway and is expected to take approximately 12 months to complete. The contract is supported by a number of key partners including D360 Consulting Engineers Ltd, Addleshaw Goddard LLP, Arcadis and Turley who are advising Peel NRE on the works.
DSM’s involvement at Fiddler’s Ferry builds on its established rep- utation as one of the UK’s leading demolition contractors, trusted to deliver major regeneration and industrial decommissioning pro- jects nationwide.
Kieran Tames, Development Director at Peel NRE said: “Awarding this contract represents another important step in delivering our long-term plans for Fiddlers Ferry. DSM Demolition Ltd brings proven experience in complex industrial demolition and will play a key role in safely and efficiently preparing the site for future sus- tainable mixed-use development. Peel NRE will continue to work closely with Warrington Borough Council, contractors and local stakeholders to maintain safety, minimise disruption and accelerate the delivery of this landmark regeneration project.”
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MONTHLY 2026
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