Leading commercial law firm Hill Dickinson has officially completed its landmark office move into the new and prestigious St Michael’s development in Manchester.
The state-of-the-art 1 St Michael’s building is spearheaded by Gary Neville’s Relentless Group and promises to provide a transformational and unrivalled new workspace with a high-quality fit out built around the needs of its people. Designed by Incognito and delivered by DENTON, Hill Dickinson’s new 18,200 sq ft workspace will occupy the highest office floor of the ten-storey development in the city’s first fully net zero carbon commercial development.
Relocating from its previous home in Fountain Street, the firm’s new office offers sweeping views across Manchester’s city centre and features access to a private terrace. As part of a highly sustainable development, the ninth floor office has not only achieved SKA Gold but is targeting a NABERS 5-star rating and BREEAM Outstanding status, reflecting its continued commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable business practices.
The move marks Hill Dickinson’s continued commitment to the North West and its ambition to confirm itself as one the region’s most active law firms. Having opened an office in Manchester nearly 30 years ago, the move represents a bold next step in the firm’s history, growing its multidisciplinary team in Manchester to over 230 people in that time and increasing its headcount by a third in the last 24 months.
Hill Dickinson’s new office also forms part of the firm’s long-term investment plans in the UK by strengthening its national offering while embedding itself further into regional markets. It comes off the back of its Leeds office move into 11 Wellington Place in January 2024 and the opening of the firm’s first Birmingham office in February the same year.
Having continuously grown headcount year-on-year, Hill Dickinson’s ongoing regional expansion cements its commitment to delivering industry-leading advice to clients, wherever they are in the UK, while providing best-in-class facilities for legal talent to thrive.
Our move to St Michael’s is another transformational step forward in our firm’s history, and it prepares us for many more years of success and growth to come. Our greatest asset is the remarkable legal minds that deliver the highest quality work for our clients, which is why this is more than just a relocation, it’s an investment in creating a place where our people can truly excel.Craig Scott
CEO
Craig Scott, CEO at Hill Dickinson, said: “Our move to St Michael’s is another transformational step forward in our firm’s history, and it prepares us for many more years of success and growth to come. Our greatest asset is the remarkable legal minds that deliver the highest quality work for our clients, which is why this is more than just a relocation, it’s an investment in creating a place where our people can truly excel.
“This move also supports us in becoming a responsible business and reducing our operational emissions. St Michael’s is setting the standard for net zero in Manchester, and we are proud to be one of the first businesses to join them on this journey.
“With sustained profitable growth having fuelled our relocation to our new office in Leeds and the opening of our Birmingham office last year, St Michael’s is another step in our strategy of maintaining our deep connection and presence within our regional markets, all the while delivering a fantastic national and international offering for our clients’ needs. I’m looking forward to spending more time at the new office, and I know our people and our clients will share in this excitement as we welcome them into this impressive new space.”
Gary Neville, Director at Relentless Developments, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Hill Dickinson to their new home here at 1 St Michael’s; I’m really proud to see one of our earliest pre-let commitments now thriving in the building. The decision to join us at such an early stage was a strong vote of confidence in the vision for this development, and it’s fantastic to see that confidence come to fruition as they take occupation.”
Barry Gibb, partner and head of Manchester office at Hill Dickinson, said: “Manchester has become one of the most exciting and fastest-growing cities in the UK, and it’s no surprise that we’re seeing more and more people looking to live and work here. Not only has the city’s skilled talent pool deepened, but client demand has also surged with new opportunities and projects springing up every day. It’s why our new Manchester office marks a defining moment in our growth strategy, setting the foundations for us to capitalise on the region’s upswing and symbolising our long-term commitment to the North West’s business community.
“We’re on an outstanding growth journey and it’s an honour to lead this exceptional group of legal talent into our brand new office. Our people are the fundamental driving force behind our growth, and this move provides a home in the heart of Manchester for all of us to thrive.”
The fit out of Hill Dickinson’s office at 1 St Michael’s was supported by Incognito, Avid Property Consultants, DENTON, Kennedy Redford, Heatons Group, David Eagle and RLB (Rider Levett Bucknall).