Co-op Agrees Sublet with UNISON at One Angel Square
29 October 2025
Co-op has signed a new sublet agreement with UNISON, the UK’s largest trade union. UNISON will move into One Angel Square, Manchester, in early 2026.
The agreement forms part of Co-op’s strategy to optimise its hybrid workspace. One Angel Square remains Co-op’s support centre and HQ and now operates as a multi-tenancy building, with further floors available to let.
Co-op has been working with commercial real estate agents Avison Young to market available space within the building. The move to a multi-occupancy model supports Co-op’s ongoing strategy to future-proof its estate and ensure the building continues to reflect modern ways of working.
Heather Thomas, Group Property & Sustainability Director at Co-op, said:
“As ways of working evolve, we’re continuing to use our workspace more efficiently while remaining proudly based in Manchester. Welcoming UNISON to One Angel Square is a positive step in how we’re planning for the building’s future. We’re open to further tenants and committed to ensuring this fantastic building continues to be a collaborative and thriving place to work.”
UNISON North West regional secretary Lynne Morris said:
“We’re delighted to be moving into One Angel Square. It's a modern, flexible office environment that supports our region’s new ways of working.
"To be moving into a building that’s home to the Co-op, an organisation that shares the union's values of fairness and social responsibility, is extremely fitting.
"The office is in a great location and we’re pleased to be joining a vibrant working community.”
Rupert Barron, Director at Avison Young, said:
“We were very pleased to support Co-op in securing a sublease for an 11,927 sq ft space on the 12th floor of One Angel Square, a deal that reflects its strengths as a prime office destination. The building offers exceptional sustainability credentials, high-quality amenities, and flexible workspace, and this agreement further reinforces One Angel Square’s position as one of the city’s most desirable office locations.”
One Angel Square is currently available for further sublet opportunities, with office spaces ranging from 6,717 sq ft to 62,033 sq ft. Enquiries should be directed to the agents, Avison Young: rupert.barron@avisonyoung.com
ENDS
About Co-op
Co-op Group is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, operating across food retail, funerals, insurance, and legal services. Owned by over 6.9 million active member-owners, Co-op exists to meet their needs and champion the causes they care about. With more than 2,300 food stores, 800 funeral homes and a wholesale business supplying around 8,000 additional outlets, Co-op employs 53,000 colleagues and generates annual revenues of over £11 billion. It is a recognised leader in ethical business and community-led programmes, creating long-term value for members and communities across the UK.
About UNISON
UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
About Avison Young
Avison Young creates real economic, social and environmental value as a global real estate advisor, powered by people. As a private company, our clients collaborate with an empowered partner who is invested in their success. Our integrated talent realises the full potential of real estate by using global intelligence platforms that provide clients with insights and advantage.
Together, we can create healthy, productive workplaces for employees, cities that are centres for prosperity for their citizens, and built spaces and places that create a net benefit to the economy, the environment and the community.
Avison Young is a 2025 winner of the Canada's Best Managed Companies Platinum Club designation, having retained its Best Managed designation for 14 consecutive years. www.avisonyoung.com