Grant Thornton joins a string of professional services firms in one of the city’s smartest commercial developments and has signed a lease with developers MRP for 23,000 sq ft of office space across two floors in The Ewart on Bedford Square. The plan is to move into the building in early 2027.

With current headcount of 250 people, the Northern Ireland operation in Belfast hired 70 staff in the last year alone, meaning larger office space is required. ‘This substantial increase in staff reflects sustained growth across the business, driven by increasing client demand for advisory, audit and tax services’, Grant Thornton said.

The Ewart is located close to Grant Thornton’s current office on Donegall Square West, where the firm has been based since 2017. The new workspace will be carefully designed to accommodate current needs and future growth as it continues to expand in the region.

A prominent architectural landmark building on Belfast’s skyline, The Ewart offers the latest sustainability and technological features with a BREEAM Excellent rating, and the construction merges a historic building into a modern grade A, 17-storey tower.

Steve Tennant, managing partner, Grant Thornton Ireland, said: ‘Our move to The Ewart, along with the creation of more than 70 new roles in 2025, demonstrates both the scale of our ambition and our belief in the Northern Ireland market.

‘Our growth is testament to the extraordinary work our Belfast team delivers for clients both locally and globally, and we look forward to further expansion as our platform continues to evolve.’

With two years until the relocation, Richard Gillan, managing partner, Grant Thornton Northern Ireland, added: ‘We are excited for our Belfast office to relocate to The Ewart. By continuing to invest in our office and people in Belfast, we are ensuring we have the resources required to support organisations as they navigate complexity, seize opportunities and grow sustainably.’

The Ewart is fast beoming the go-to address for professional services firms in the city. Paul Beacom, development director at MRP, said: ‘This letting is another strong endorsement of the quality of the building and its location. They will join an impressive lineup of firms across legal, financial and consulting sectors, further strengthening the building’s reputation for leading professional services. The Ewart has just one floor remaining, marking a significant milestone.’  

CBRE NI acted for developers MRP and Savills for Grant Thornton in the transaction.