Selfridges starts second phase of redevelopment

The next phase of the £20m redevelopment of Selfridges' store on Exchange Square in Manchester city centre has started.

The five floors and the glass facade are being remodelled to provide additional floor space and enhanced natural light with the new look being revealed in September.

The first changes will take place in the lower ground floor, which were closed after end of trading on Saturday.

Currently housing restaurants, homewares and luggage, Selfridges said the space will be transformed into a 'New Destination Beauty' department and feature brands such as Chanel, Dior, Mac and Bobbi Brown.

Retail design consultancy HMKM has designed the new space.

Selfridges said as shoppers enter the store from Exchange Square they will be greeted by a panoramic view down into the new department.

The ground floor will become home to brands including Tiffany, Cartier, Hermes, Chanel and Mulberry.

The initial remodelling works are scheduled to last 20 weeks.

Christian Papa, director on the project, said: "The opening-up of the front atria creates fantastic views in to the Beauty & Accessories space, an area flooded with natural light. Combined with the stunning new central atrium, this unique Destination Beauty has been designed to be seen from above as shoppers arrive via the escalators, experiencing the store from 360 degrees. By opening up the core of the building, Selfridges is creating an attractive space allowing shoppers to experience the different floors in a unique new retail environment."

The 126,000 sq ft store on Exchange Square opened in 2002 and has over 80,000 customers visiting each week.

The store currently employs 250 people with an additional 250 working in its concessions.