MIPIM | Relentless declares intent with new Kendals District moniker
The former department store’s redevelopment will lead the way, with the firm set to lead on five of six critical sites around Manchester’s St Mary’s Parsonage area.
Speaking at MIPIM this morning, Relentless Developments’ chief executive Anthony Kilbride revealed multi-stakeholder plans for the six sites, five of which will be led by Relentless, blending grade A workspace, hospitality and leisure facilities with a luxury hotel and branded residences, set within new public realm and cultural space.
The retrofit of the iconic Kendal Milne building on Deansgate, where Relentless joined existing developer Investec last November in a project also backed by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, is the centrepiece, with a proposed 230,000 sq ft of workspace, along with F&B and retail.
Last year, GMCA announced £44m of funding from the Good Growth Fund for the project.
In December, Relentless added to its holdings in the area with the acquisition from Property Alliance Group of Reedham House, where a 14-storey office block is consented. The business also owns Cardinal House, and has been reported as in talks to buy the Alberton from Bruntwood SciTech.
Kilbride said: “Kendals is a complex heritage retrofit that has demanded real conviction, not just in the building itself, but in the wider vision for this part of the city. As one of Manchester’s most recognisable landmarks, this high-impact site is perfectly positioned to anchor district-scale regeneration and act as a true gateway to a new neighbourhood.
“What we are bringing forward with the Kendals District is not piecemeal development; it is a coherent, carefully planned quarter that brings together workspace, hospitality, culture and public realm in a way that creates long-term value for the city. It demonstrates how effective public-private collaboration can unlock growth, accelerate delivery and create places of genuine economic and social impact.”
He continued: “The retrofit of the former Kendal Milne building will set the tone for what follows: thoughtfully designed, highly sustainable space that prioritises wellbeing and flexibility, meeting the evolving needs of modern occupiers while respecting the heritage of the site.
“Relentless is proud to be leading five of the six transformational sites within the district and looking forward to playing a central role in shaping what will become one of Manchester’s most dynamic and recognisable new quarters.”
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Good Growth is about creating investment opportunities that create a lasting impact to the fabric of our city. While this is often about supporting new development to create growth, it is as much about using the incredible assets we already have in Manchester.
“Kendals is a prime example of this approach – breathing new life into an iconic heritage building to not only ensure its long-term future, but to create a platform for a new city centre district to deliver growth at scale and with ambition.”
Interesting! If they get this right it could act as another inflection point for the city centre and move it up a weight class. Can’t wait to see the proposals develop – so much potential in this
By Anonymous
The store is still open – why do the media keep referring to it as former? This creates a viscous circle with customers believing it is closed
By Anonymous
When in the store over Christmas – I asked staff if on the back of this development if the department store was going. They looked at me blankly and said no – or at least not to their knowledge.
I really hope it stays as a city the size, appeal and scale if Manchester really should have a decent department store. I really like it and would be gutted to see it go.
These updates seem to talk about offices going in ir maybe that is a different part of the plot to the department store?
Anyone know what the plans are for the department store?
By G
Hi G – there’s more info on this earlier story, the offices are mainly to be a new block on the car park site. https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/relentless-on-board-for-500000-sq-ft-kendals-office-regen/ thanks, Neil
By Neil Tague
All for change but don’t f-up the heritage niceness in that area as there are some gems.
By Look after the heritage
Anonymous 12:20 pm. The store is still open, but it hasn’t been Kendal Milne, or even just Kendals for many years. It became “House of Fraser Manchester” in 2005.
By Nick B
Great news, Manchester is lucky to have so many great local developers and a council that works with them
By Anonymous
Go taller
By Go taller
Could be a fantastic new neighbourhood for our great city, lets see what the next stages of the development proposals throw out. But not the expense of the city’s heritage
By Steve5738
Thanks Neil Tague
However that link/previous story references tge carpark aspect & seems to be suggesting retail space is going but not sure that is just a proportion or all. Unless I am missing something there doesn’t seem any real clarity if the department store stays in any way shape or form.
I hope it does stay but unclear comms like this I’m sure do not help it’s viability.
Good if they made this crystal clear.
By G
Unless the plans have changed significantly, it’s a stretch to describe Kendals as a heritage retrofit. It’s basically complete internal demolition eliminating the pioneering (for the UK) internal layout as well as the glass blocks. All generally less interesting that what’s being done with the Rylands/Debenhams building.
By Anonymous
Hello G, when you were in the department store at Christmas how many customers were there?! Whenever I visit there are more staff than customers. Sad but true.
By Simon
it’s a bit perplexing that Gary gets his Etch a Skecth out, produces a third rate image of an undeliverable proposition and people start applauding……laughable really.
By anonymous
Hopefully those cheap looking, weird Octagonal things will be totally redesigned.
By Anonymous