One of the largest advertising groups in the world has officially opened its landmark office in Manchester city centre.
WPP's new base is located on the former Granada Studios site, Enterprise City, and will be home to eight of its agencies.
Around 550 employees will work out of the office for EssenceMediacom, Cheetham Bell, Code Computerlove, Wavemaker, Cloud Commerce Group, Kinetic, Ogilvy Health and VMLY&R Health.
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The 67,000-sqft office space was designed by BDG architecture + design, a WPP company, and is split over eight floors.
The building includes three double-height social hubs with feature stairs, additional accessible toilets and dedicated mothers' rooms. It also features a roof terrace, as well as a café, bar, and business event space.
Chief executive Mark Read said: "Our Manchester agencies have achieved significant growth and success, driven by the extraordinary talent and dedication of our people.
"It is their accomplishments that have paved the way for the creation of this new state-of-the-art campus. Manchester is a thriving creative hub and it has always been our intention to invest in a campus that would bring our agencies together in the city. This move further demonstrates our commitment to facilitate collaboration, fuel creativity, and give clients access to the breadth and depth of WPP talent in one location."
Karen Blackett, UK president of WPP, added: "Manchester has always been a city brimming with growth and creativity and we wanted to be at the heart of that.
"The city is also home to a beautiful fruit salad of people and we need to reflect that in our organisations in order to generate growth. We are thrilled to see this vision come to life and become an integral part of the vibrant Manchester community."
The new Manchester campus is WPP's 36th globally, forming part of the company's plan to have 85% of its people in campuses worldwide by 2025.
WPP first revealed plans for the new office in July 2019 after signing a 15-year lease with building owner Allied London.
When it was originally announced, WPP was planning to occupy 82,000 sq ft of space and expected to open in early 2022.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: "WPP’s new campus, bringing together the innovation and talent of its agencies, will help to solidify Manchester's status as one of the UK’s most successful creative powerhouses
"Building on these clusters of excellence across the country is at the heart of the government’s plans to maximise the potential of our world-leading creative industries."
Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, added: "We’re really pleased to see WPP strengthen its presence here in our city-region with the opening of a major new site in Manchester.
"This campus is another testament to our international competitiveness and showcases our ability to attract world-renowned businesses and world-class talent.
"The presence of WPP, along with other industry giants, is helping to transform the economic landscape of Greater Manchester and support a growing success story."
WPP started out as a maker of wire shopping baskets in the 1970s but is now one of the largest advertising and communications groups in the world.
It was transformed by Sir Martin Sorrell as chief executive after he first took a controlling stake in 1985.
Cllr Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council and GMCA economy lead, said: "WPP has played an important role in Manchester's creative economy for many years now, and this new Manchester Campus is a clear signal of their intent to grow that contribution even further.
"Our city-region is increasingly being seen by investors and global businesses as a place that offers the connectivity, the talent, and the partnerships that they need to grow and thrive, and that in turn supports our vision for a Greater Manchester that provides good jobs and opportunities for all."
