CUPRA plans Manchester city centre showroom
A former jeweller’s off Deansgate is to be transformed into a store and events space for the Spanish car manufacturer.
CUPRA, a subsidiary of SEAT, plans to transform the 3,100 sq ft former Fraser Hart store at 14-16 St Ann’s Square into a showroom.
Being located in a city centre, the store would be smaller than what might typically be expected of a car showroom, accommodating just two cars at a time.
The unit has been vacant for several years and is adjoined by Waterstones and Black Sheep Coffee.
Despite a lack of cars, CUPRA’s planned showroom would feature other elements you might not necessarily expect, including an outdoor seating area and hospitality areas for hosting events “with loud music”, according to a design and access statement prepared by Northmill.
“The proposed development is intended to provide a new consumer experience, combining showroom space and hospitality provision in a city centre environment,” according to Northmill.
To learn more, search for reference number 139998/FO/2024 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.
Not sure why they should be taking over pavement space at this location to sell cars. Doesn’t seem a particularly positive development even if it brings the unit back into use – isn’t the message supposed to be about making the city centre as free of cars as possible?
By Rotringer
Sorry but this is a terrible use for a City Centre retail unit!
By Alex T
About time car retailers bring their product into the city centre hopefully aided by Ai and virtual reality.
By Tannoy
Was it Ford that tried to sell cars from the ground floor of Next? I hope this is more successful.
By Nick Barton