Bruntwood agrees first University Green prelets

Bruntwood and the University of Manchester have confirmed the first retail and leisure signings at University Green, the £50m redevelopment next to the business school on Oxford Road.

When complete next year the scheme will provide 40,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space across 12 units each with double-height glazed frontages.

Bruntwood University Manchester 2

Academic bookshop Blackwell’s will return to the site after decamping to make way for construction, taking a 6,300 sq ft store. Second up is Manchester coffee house, Takk, opening its second site in the city. The 1,500 sq ft café will serve breakfast, brunch and craft beer. Takk will be collaborating with designer Sheila Bird Group to create “a thoughtful design, responding to its unique location and customer experience. Influenced by the owners’ passion for Nordic design, the new site aims to create a beautiful and welcoming space where people can relax and work.”

Completing the first wave of signings is a new 2,500 sq ft Pret A Manger. All three will open in summer 2018.

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.”

Phillip Hannaway, co-owner of Takk commented: “We could not be more excited to be opening on the re-developed campus and have the opportunity to bring our passion for incredible coffee and food to a new community. From the design side of things we want to create something completely different to our Northern Quarter site, University Green is going to be an incredible space.”

Dean Drew, sales and marketing director at Blackwell’s, added: “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.”

Diana Hampson, director of estates and facilities at the University of Manchester, also said: “It is very exciting to have the first brands signed up and to see the University’s Campus Masterplan vision take shape. This landmark development in Manchester will highlight Corridor Manchester as an extension to the city.”

Bruntwood and the University of Manchester’s £50m Oxford Road regeneration project also includes public realm improvements alongside the new 350,000 sq ft Alliance Manchester Business School. Complementing the redevelopment of University Green will be a 210-bed Crowne Plaza Hotel and 116-room Staybridge Suites, both due to open at the end of 2017.

Metis Real Estate Advisors represented Bruntwood. Takk and Pret A Manger represented themselves. SP Associates represented Blackwell’s.

BDP is the architect on the scheme. Mace is the contractor. Deloitte is planning consultant.

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