A Manchester travel company is doubling its footprint in The Tootal Buildings following an upturn in business and completion of several acquisitions.

Portman Travel, via its Clarity Travel and Destination Sport businesses, has signed up for an extra 11,000 sq ft from January next year, taking its total occupation to almost 20,000 sq ft.

Property consultancy, Fisher German, acted on behalf of Portman Travel to agree the deal which sees the firm commit to a new 10-year lease on both its existing suite of 8,000 sq ft together with the additional space.

David Laws, partner at Fisher German, said: “The Clarity Travel and Destination Sports expansion is fantastic news for the city, and sends a positive statement to both the property and travel sectors.

“Much of the recent office market narrative has focused on businesses seeking less space in a post-pandemic, hybrid work environment. This deal bucks the trend and it’s great to see businesses expand and invest in their workplaces.”

He added: “The Tootal Buildings provides the perfect base for Clarity and Destination Sports having recently undergone a significant investment by landlord XLB & Pictet, offering high quality, sustainable, office space with excellent amenities in a vibrant part of the city centre.”

Stephen Wormald, of XLB, said: “Clarity Travel and Destination Sports are long standing occupiers and it is great to be able to provide the right space for its continued growth.

“Our commitment to providing sustainable workspace, together with best-in-class amenities and occupier engagement, has facilitated 55,000 sq ft of new leases during 2023, taking the buildings to 98% occupied.”