• Swindon & Wiltshire Property
• Thursday September 11 2025

Bristol’s flexible workspaces hit 84 per cent occupancy

Bristol’s flexible workspace rates are experiencing upward momentum following a period of slower growth, according to a new report from CBRE.

The city’s high occupancy rates and a shortage of premium space are driving the trend.

Bristol recorded an average occupancy rate of 84 per cent for flexible office spaces in H1 2025 – surpassing the 72 per cent average in Manchester, Leeds, and Liverpool and highlighting the city’s growing appeal to occupiers seeking agile, high-quality workspace solutions.

Average flexible workspace rates in Bristol now stand at £100 per sq ft, with top rates reaching £165 per sq ft.

This places the city ahead of Liverpool and Leeds in terms of average pricing, and just behind Manchester and Birmingham.

While London remains the UK’s most expensive market, with top rates hitting £380 per sq ft, Bristol’s combination of affordability and strong demand is attracting increasing interest from both operators and occupiers.

Contract lengths also reflect regional differences. In Bristol, the average contract length is 12.3 months, catering to SMEs and businesses seeking short-term flexibility. In contrast, London leads with an average of 22.6 months, followed by 22 months in The North, and 12 months in Scotland.

Despite challenges such as high traditional rents which exceed those in Birmingham and Manchester and limited new development, Bristol’s flex market is expanding.

At least two new flexible workspaces are set to launch in the city during the second half of 2025, offering fresh opportunities for growth.

Alex Riddell, a director in the office agency team at CBRE Bristol, said:
“Bristol is proving it can punch above its weight. We’re seeing strong demand from businesses that want the flexibility to grow without being locked into long leases.

“The city’s talent pool, connectivity, and the appeal of mass regeneration in the area are making it a magnet for occupiers, and the flex market needs to continue to rise to meet this demand.”