Mappin & Webb picks location for Manchester flagship

The jewellery retailer is planning to open a 9,000 sq ft store on the ground floor and basement of 17-23 St Anns Square, a stone’s throw from its current outlet on the corner of Police Street and St Anns Street.

Watches of Switzerland, which owns Mappin & Webb, has lodged plans for repairs to “significant cracks” in the masonry within the St Anns Square building ahead of taking up residence there. The lease for the space, previously occupied by Barclays, was signed in September.

“The proposals are required to allow occupation by Mappin and Webb, a luxury retailer who are looking to establish a new flagship store in the heart of Manchester city centre,” a cover letter prepared by Savills states.

The refurbishment aims to create a “unified expansive luxury retail space”.

The offices within the four-storey Italianate building have also recently been refurbished and are let to occupiers including Tatti Lashes, Full Sphere, and Simply Diamonds.

Audemars Piguet, another high-end brand that works closely with Watches of Switzerland, also has its eyes on a Manchester flagship.

The company is understood to be taking the 13,000 sq ft former Jack Wills store on King Street, as reported by Place North West in April.

Sixteen advised WOS on the letting.

Alex Haigh, director at Sixteen, said: “We see this as a key letting in St Anns Square. With this deal, and a couple of others on King Street, the jewellery quarter is expanding.

“It is great to see more flagship premium brands in the period city centre properties.”

Watches of Switzerland was contacted for comment.