The Information Commissioner’s Office (has announced plans to relocate its national HQ to Bruntwood SciTech’s No.3 Circle Square, cementing Manchester’s role as a leading hub for digital services, data innovation and policy leadership.
The move from Wilmslow to the city’s Oxford Road Corridor knowledge quarter is due to complete in autumn 2026, with the ICO taking 20,000 sq ft of high-quality workspace in the £87m, 267,000 sq ft development.
The ICO’s arrival at this growing community follows a series of significant moves that continue to drive momentum. This includes global sportswear brand PUMA, which is relocating its UK headquarters to No.3 CircleSquare, and Auto Trader, the UK’s largest digital automotive marketplace, which has committed to seven floors within the same building.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:
“We welcome the ICO’s decision to make Manchester its new national headquarters. It is further evidence of how attractive our city – with a huge talent pool, access to expertise including from our world class universities, and national and global connections – is proving to employers considering the best place to be. This move underlines Manchester’s momentum and how Circle Square, which has recently also attracted Puma’s national headquarters, is contributing to it.”
Josh Whiteley, Commercial Director, Bruntwood SciTech, said: “This latest commitment underlines our vision for CircleSquare as a destination of national significance for digital, data and technology-led organisations. The ICO’s decision to relocate its UK headquarters here reflects the strength of Manchester’s knowledge economy and the value of being part of a dynamic innovation community.
