Three years is a long time to stand empty, but St James Chambers, 68 Quay St., Manchester, is now a place once again. Not just any old place, but This Is The Place — a new co-working venture bringing the boutique vibe to business space.

The 5K SF block close to Spinningfields includes individualised spaces, from one-person pods to 12-person shared offices. Michelle Rothwell's Watch This Space acquired it last year for £1M and implemented a nine-month refurbishment.

The boutique vibe extends to the Barbie-pink accent colour, pot plants and feng shui co-ordination. The effect is something that looks as well suited for a pedicure as for a PowerPoint presentation.

“This Is The Space really challenges traditional working environments and is designed to stimulate employees. We’ve given occupiers here the option to personalize their work space and make it really feel that it’s their home and be in greater control," Watch This Space founder Michelle Rothwell said.

"Each boutique office features its own unique design with all of them having different flooring and light fittings as an example.”