First brands sign up to Manchester’s University Green
Bruntwood and The University of Manchester have signed up the first retail and leisure brands for the recently launched University Green, which forms part of the University’s campus masterplan and redevelopment.
When complete next year, the scheme will provide 40,000 square feet of retail and leisure space across 12 units each with double-height glazed frontages.
Academic and general bookshop Blackwell’s, the first retail brand to be confirmed for the development, has taken a 6,300 square foot store.
Dean Drew, sales and marketing director at Blackwell’s, said: “To be able to re-launch our shop in the heart of Corridor Manchester is a great opportunity. We have been providing books to students and the Manchester community since 1991 and are delighted to continue this longstanding relationship with the city and the University. We’ll provide a modern multi-channel space for our customers to enjoy.”
In addition, artisan coffee house Takk has chosen the scheme for its second site in the city while Pret A Manger will open a 2,500 square foot store.
All three units will open in summer 2018 shortly after completion of the scheme.
Toby Sproll, head of retail and leisure at Bruntwood, said: “We are thrilled to have secured such quality operators and retailers as part of the first wave of signings for University Green. Our focus is to create an exciting mix of retail and leisure for the significant population that study, work and live in Corridor Manchester.”
Bruntwood and The University of Manchester’s £50 million Oxford Road regeneration project also includes public realm improvements alongside the newly enhanced and extended 350,000 square foot Alliance Manchester Business School. Complementing the redevelopment of University Green will be a 210-bed Crowne Plaza Hotel and 116-room Staybridge Suites which are both due to open at the end of 2017.
