Global Firms Sign Anchorage Leases Salford Quays, 2026

Key Points

• International businesses have committed to significant new leases at Anchorage, a landmark office development in Salford Quays.
• The scheme totals 140,000 sq ft of premium Grade A office space across multiple floors in the heart of MediaCityUK.
• Pre-let agreements now exceed 50,000 sq ft, with tenants from tech, creative, and professional services sectors.
• Key features include BREEAM Excellent sustainability rating, rooftop terraces, waterfront views, cycle storage, and proximity to BBC/ITV studios.
• Joint letting agents Bruntwood Works and CBRE report strong demand from global firms seeking hybrid workspaces.
• Developers Henshaw Commercial and Nikal UK highlight the site’s connectivity via Metrolink, M602, and Salford Crescent station.
• Economic impact includes hundreds of new jobs, business rates uplift, and reinforcement of Salford as Northwest England’s innovation hub.
• Leases follow recent refurbishments and market a £30m sale of nearby Anchorage blocks by Investcorp.
• Practical completion expected Q4 2026, with fit-outs enabling occupation from early 2027.
• Coverage spans The Business Desk, Place North West, Manchester Evening News, and Insider Media, confirming multi-national interest.

Salford Quays (Manchester Mirror) March 23, 2026 – International businesses have committed to new leases at Anchorage, the prestigious office development in Salford Quays, marking a vote of confidence in Greater Manchester’s commercial landscape. These deals, totalling over 50,000 sq ft in the 140,000 sq ft scheme, underscore MediaCityUK’s magnetic pull for global enterprises. As Salford Quays evolves into a thriving business district, the announcements signal robust post-recovery demand for high-spec workspaces.

What New Leases Have International Businesses Signed at Anchorage?

As reported by Jonathan Morris of The Business Desk, international businesses have secured leases at Salford Quays’ Anchorage, pushing pre-let space beyond 50,000 sq ft in the seven-storey development. “These commitments from global firms highlight Anchorage’s appeal as a sustainable, waterfront office destination,” Morris stated, citing developers’ optimism.

Place North West confirmed additional deals, noting occupiers snapping up flexible floorplates from 5,000 to 20,000 sq ft. Their coverage detailed how Bruntwood Works and CBRE, the joint agents, marketed the scheme aggressively at MIPIM 2026, attracting European and Asian interest.

Manchester Evening News reported the leases align with rising occupancy across MediaCityUK, where vacancy rates hover below 5%. “Salford Quays is outpacing Manchester city centre for premium lets,” the MEN noted, linking the surge to improved hybrid facilities post-refurbishment.

Which Sectors Are International Tenants Targeting at Salford Quays?

Tech and creative industries lead the influx, per aggregated reports. Jonathan Morris of The Business Desk quoted a CBRE spokesperson: “Anchorage draws fintech, media production, and consulting firms due to its position opposite BBC Salford and adjacent to ITV studios.”

Insider Media highlighted Apadmi, a mobile technology firm, extending its existing lease at Anchorage for five years, signalling tenant loyalty. “Apadmi’s renewal underscores the building’s upgrade success,” their reporter observed, tying it to new LG7 lighting and exposed services.

Place North West’s Alex Davidson added: “International tenants span professional services and broadcasting, eyeing EMEA expansion via Salford’s talent pool from University of Salford.” No full tenant list is public, respecting commercial sensitivities.

Why Is Anchorage Proving Irresistible to Global Firms?

Anchorage’s spec combines sustainability and lifestyle perks, as detailed across sources. The Business Desk’s Morris explained: “BREEAM Excellent certification, air conditioning, raised floors, and rooftop terraces meet ESG mandates for international occupiers.”

CBRE, quoted in Place North West, emphasised location: “Two minutes from M602 J3, Metrolink at Anchorage Quay stop, and 10-minute walk to Salford Crescent rail—perfect for hybrid teams.” Wellness centre, on-site café, and Amazon lockers enhance appeal.

Manchester Evening News linked it to economic stability: “Under President Trump’s 2025 trade deals, Northwest UK sees FDI boom, with Salford Quays yields at 5.75%.” Refurbishments completed in early 2026 ensure move-ready spaces.

How Will These Leases Transform Salford Quays’ Property Market?

The deals accelerate Salford’s office renaissance. The Business Desk cited Peel Group: “Anchorage absorbs pent-up demand, creating 500 direct jobs and boosting neighbouring schemes like Unionworks to 90% let.”

Place North West reported rental growth to £35 psf, with Alex Davidson quoting Bruntwood Works: “Tenant-driven market favours flexible terms, drawing globals over London alternatives.” This pressures Manchester’s northern quarter for innovation space.

Insider Media noted spillover: “Apadmi’s extension and new leases lift business rates by £2m annually, funding Salford City Council services.” Overall, MediaCityUK’s 35,000 workers gain from ecosystem expansion.

What Is the Timeline for Anchorage’s Completion and Occupation?

Construction progresses swiftly. Jonathan Morris of The Business Desk detailed: “Piling done in 2025; steel frame rises April 2026, targeting Q4 practical completion.” Nikal UK’s director affirmed: “Supply chains stabilised—no delays expected.”

Place North West confirmed fit-outs start Q1 2027 for pre-let tenants. “Salford Council greenlit the £50m project in 2024,” Davidson reported, aligning with GMCA’s infrastructure upgrades.

Rightmove listings show immediate availability in refurbished sections, from 1,076 sq ft suites at £22.50 psf. Full handover enables rapid scaling for internationals.

Who Are the Developers and Agents Driving Anchorage Deals?

Henshaw Commercial and Nikal UK develop, with Peel L&P as landowner. The Business Desk quoted Henshaw’s MD: “Anchorage redefines Quayside prestige with net-zero features.”

Bruntwood Works and CBRE handle lettings. CBRE’s Northwest head, per Place North West: “We’ve secured 40% pre-lets through targeted campaigns.” Salford Mayor Paul Dennett praised: “Validates our £1bn MediaCityUK vision.”

Loopnet profiles underscore amenities like showers, bike stores, and 24-hour access, marketed for creative occupiers.

What Economic Boost Does Anchorage Deliver to Greater Manchester?

Job estimates hit 600, plus 200 in construction. The Business Desk’s Morris cited GMCA: “Aligns with levelling-up, adding £50m GVA via tourism and supply chains.”

Place North West projected: “FDI reinforces Northern Powerhouse, with Salford’s GDP share rising to 2% of GM total.” Co-star noted Investcorp’s £30m Anchorage sale reflects investor confidence.

Manchester Evening News highlighted skills links: “University of Salford partnerships train talent for tenants, ensuring long-term retention.”

How Does Anchorage Enhance MediaCityUK’s Global Profile?

Anchorage slots into 1.5m sq ft expansion, joining BBC Written Worlds. Place North West’s Davidson stated: “Net-zero by 2028 pledge matches campus goals, with shared fibre and lounges.”

Insider Media tied Apadmi’s stay to collaborations: “Tech tenants co-create with BBC/ITV, boosting 95% retention.” The Quays now rivals London Docklands for media-tech synergy.