Clearbell UK Strategic Trust (CST or Clearbell), a Trust advised by Clearbell Capital, has welcomed American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), a leading software and services company for travel, expense, and meetings & events, to the redeveloped Freetrade Building on Peter St in Manchester’s city centre.

Amex GBT occupies 5,422 sq ft of contemporary workspace on a five-year lease, after moving in during July 2026. The move reflects the company’s continued investment in its Manchester technology workforce. Amex GBT has maintained a presence in Manchester for more than 15 years, most recently operating from offices at Piccadilly Place. The move to the Freetrade Building represents a step up in workspace quality, consolidating the team into a purpose-designed environment equipped with enhanced amenities to support employee wellbeing and productivity.

This latest letting at Freetrade follows the arrivals of Nine Chambers (Chambers of Christopher Kennedy KC), Aptia and Zurich Insurance, leaving just the 4,390 sq ft fifth floor available in the building.

Centrally located close to the Town Hall and St Peter’s Square, the 36,000 sq ft Victorian building has undergone a significant period of refurbishment and modernisation while increasing its sustainability credentials reflecting Clearbell’s commitment to embedding ESG principles into its investment approach.

The Grade II listed building underwent extensive retrofitting in 2024 to achieve an EPC A rating, with the five floors of upgraded workspace now heated by air source heat pumps, renewable energy sources and benefiting from rooftop solar panels. The reception area is also home to a living wall, enhancing air quality and customer wellbeing. Workspace tenants have access to a wealth of amenities focused on encouraging wellbeing, including common breakout areas, secure bike parking, showers and changing facilities, a fully equipped gym, yoga studio and sauna.

Amex GBT’s 5,422 sq ft third-floor workspace has now been fully fitted and furnished, while retaining the building’s EPC A specification.

The fifth floor, extending to 4,390 sq ft, remains vacant and is the final available floor in the building. Fit-out works are due to commence following planning and listed building approvals. The space will also benefit from an external terrace wrapping around three sides of the floor for the exclusive use of its future occupier, alongside access to Freetrade’s wider building amenities.

Amex GBT’s decision to consolidate their 15-year Manchester presence at Freetrade is a strong endorsement of the workspace we’ve created. It shows that established businesses are actively seeking out the combination of heritage, modern amenities and sustainability credentials that Freetrade offers. With just one floor remaining, we’re pleased to have attracted occupiers who share our commitment to creating workplaces that support both people and the environment.”

Ben Tolhurst, Asset Management Director at Clearbell Capital

Manchester has established itself as one of the UK’s most dynamic technology hubs. We wanted a workspace that matches the ambition and energy of Amex GBT. This new space is designed to help our growing team do their best work.”

Sophie Davies, Head of HR UK & Ireland, Amex GBT

Clearbell was represented by JLL, with CBRE representing Amex GBT.