B&M hits jackpot with Manchester store expansion

Plans for the discount retailer to take over the former Buzz Bingo hall next to its Harpurhey outlet will more than double the company’s footprint at the shopping centre.

Manchester City Council has approved B&M’s plans to grow its presence in the Manchester suburb by knocking down the vacant bingo hall, increasing the store’s footprint from 18,300 sq ft to 40,500 sq ft off Lee Road.

Internally, the existing warehouse will be re-configured to provide staff and storage space, while external alterations will be limited to a new entrance.

The scheme will address the “clear and urgent need to secure a sustainable, long-term future” of the Buzz Bingo site, according to a planning statement submitted by MWA Planning. The Harpurhey bingo hall closed its doors in 2021 and has remained empty since.

Plans were submitted in September for the expansion, which is expected to create an additional 25 jobs locally.

In addition to MWA Planning, the project team also includes RB Surveyor Services and SLR Consulting.

To learn more about the development, search for application number 137932/FO/2023 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.