Insurance group AXA has signed a new deal with Gilbanks

AXA is the first company to join the new business community and will benefit from flexible office space for 81 people in the city's most prestigious building. Team members will benefit from cutting-edge technology and space designed to provide a dynamic and productive workspace.

Leeds-headquartered Gilbanks has designed the workspace to enhance No.1 St Michael's Net Zero Carbon credentials with recycled materials and a proactive approach to waste reduction.

Mary Heatherington, group property and procurement director from AXA UK, said: “We are delighted to be moving to this prestigious new office development that has been built with careful consideration for sustainability, recycling and wellbeing. No.1 St Michael's offers us flexible office space in a prime city location, plus great transport links to make travel easy for our colleagues. We look forward to moving in early next year and enjoying its many benefits.”

Anthony Kilbride, CEO at Relentless Developments, said: "It's great to see a respected name like AXA moving their team to No.1 St Michael's. Gilbanks has created a class-leading professional workspace that will attract innovative companies that want to give their teams the best possible working environment."

Gilbanks has established a niche in the market by offering professional firms a premium working environment with high service levels and building strong business communities through strategic events and introductions.

The Gilbanks workspace will occupy 34,000 sq ft at the £400m development and create its largest community for office professionals to date. Successful operations are already running in Leeds and 11 York Street in Manchester city centre.

No.1 St Michael's is expected to be Manchester's first fully Net Zero Carbon commercial development, both in operation and delivery. It is set to achieve world-leading standards in sustainability and wellbeing.

Alex Duckett, managing director of Gilbanks, concluded: "The team at AXA has chosen our flexible workspace over a traditional office lease to occupy the most exciting office in Manchester. This is a clear statement that they want the very best working environment for their employees and to attract the best new talent in the future. We look forward to welcoming them to the community."