No.1 St Michael’s has been designated as ‘Super Prime’ in the British Council for Offices’ new grading system – the highest recognition in the scoring system.
In piloting a fresh approach to grading workspace, the British Council of Offices has deemed No1 St Michael’s among the best in the nation.
The BCO announced plans to move towards a more nuanced grading system in September 2025, citing the sector’s overwhelming view that the grade A definition is no longer fit-for-purpose as it is too broad.
No.1 St Michael’s, home to professional firms including Hill Dickinson, Pinsent Masons, Arm, Channel 4 and Gilbanks, has been recognised as ‘super prime’, the highest designation under the BCO’s new system. Deka’s No.1 St Peter’s Square, and Schroders’ No.1 Spinningfields are the other two Manchester offices given that designation. Four offices in Leeds and 11 in London were also given top ratings.
The new scoring-based framework, worked up by JLL, was tested on schemes targeting the highest sustainability and technology credentials like BREEAM Outstanding, EPC A, WELL Platinum, and WiredScore Platinum.
Richard Wharton, North West director for office agency at JLL, said: “Manchester continues to prove time and again its leadership in providing best-in-class office space to ambitious businesses. New schemes such as Eden Circle Square, Island, 4 Angel Square and No.1 St Michael’s demonstrate how sustainability, wellness and technology can be integrated into new developments that compete on a global stage.”
The new grading approach would capture more data around the physical characteristics of a building, sustainability, technology, amenity, and health and wellbeing.
Going forward, offices would be given a score out of 100. A score of 80 and above would be formally designated as ‘super prime’ – a term already used informally in the sector.
A score between 50 and 79 would earn you a Grade A rating while 30-49 would be Grade B with anything below 30 being grade C.
