As many as 45% of office occupiers expect to go “touch-free” and now one Manchester developer has invested in the technology.

Nearly half the respondents to CBRE’s May 2020 Occupier Flash Survey said they expect to adopt touch-free technology, and 41% reported an increased interest in buildings with WELL or sustainable features.

The survey suggests technology investment was very much at the heart of occupiers’ strategies before the coronavirus pandemic. Before March, 83% of European occupiers reported they were intending to increase future investment in real estate technology, and 21% said they were prepared to pay a rental premium of more than 20% for tech-enabled buildings.

Baring’s new 180K SF Landmark office block in Manchester has taken the touch-free plunge.

The change implemented by the Charlotte, North Carolina-headquartered investor is enabled by a host of smart technology features. These include ultra-fast fibre connections with Colt, Openreach and Telcom, intelligent destination control lifts, smart building management systems, proximity to Manchester's 180km The Loop fibre optic network, smart access control and visitor management systems, a bespoke occupier engagement app and intelligent LED lighting that responds to outside conditions. Landmark achieved WiredScore Platinum certification.

“Recent events have highlighted the importance of providing occupiers with a touch-free experience in addition to the all-important ‘plug and play’ setup when they move in and the ability to work at speed on a daily basis without interruptions,” Barings Managing Director Ian Mayhew said.

“From entering the building, either on foot through the revolving doors, or by car or cycle, occupiers and visitors have a completely touch-free journey through the building to their office destination.”

CBRE said this kind of technology has turned from a “nice to have” into a “must have.”

“COVID-19 has changed and challenged the way we work, with digital lifelines now more essential than ever. It has also presented an opportunity for companies to accelerate their digital transformation,” CBRE Senior Director in Manchester Neil Mort said.