Bruntwood plans retail at business school

The developer and the University of Manchester have submitted plans for the next stage of the £50m redevelopment of Manchester Business School, to include a retail and leisure scheme.

The proposals focus on the redevelopment of the existing precinct centre on Oxford Road to create 40,500 sq ft over 14 units for a mix of retail, food and leisure occupiers.

The units range in size from 600 sq ft to 11,000 sq ft.

Removal of the link-bridge, and public realm improvements such as pavement widening for pedestrians and cyclists are included in the plans. Around 200,000 sq ft of MBS facilities will be refurbished as part of the plans to improve teaching and administrative accommodation, a new learning library and enterprise zone.

The MBS works are part of the University of Manchester's 10-year, £1bn campus masterplan.

Subject to planning consent, the retail redevelopment will start on site in 2015, with the scheme set to open in mid-2016. The MBS refurbishment will be completed in stages with the final phase due for completion in early 2018.

The construction of a hotel and an executive education centre are due to start on site at the Oxford Road Corridor later this year as part of phase one.

Toby Sproll, head of retail and leisure at Bruntwood, said: "The creation of a vibrant retail and leisure offer as part of the wider redevelopment of Manchester Business School is vital. Not only is there strong demand for a great retail mix from the university's students, staff, workers and local residents, the site is a key strategic location in the Oxford Road Corridor.

"At the moment, there is very little retail or leisure provision between the city centre and Whitworth Park. These plans, however, create a new focal point that will provide fantastic amenities to the underserved catchment, attracting customers from first thing in the morning until well into the evening. We are confident demand for this location will see it become a thriving new destination in Manchester."

Tushingham Moore has been appointed as leasing agent. BDP is the architect on the scheme.

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