Three sign at Manchester Fort

Henderson Global Investors has reported several lettings at its Manchester Fort shopping park in Cheetham Hill.

Marks and Spencer will open an 18,000 sq ft Simply Food store in the autumn. ShoeZone has taken 2,600 sq ft and Clinton Cards has agreed a deal for a 3,800 sq ft unit. Both will open in July.

Manchester Fort is owned by Henderson's UK Retail Warehouse Fund, valued at £1.1bn. The news follows Starbucks' move to the site in April as well as Nandos in February.

Michael Neal, fund manager, said: "Manchester Fort provides an ideal location for each of the new retailers where they will benefit from the strong footfall and calibre of existing tenants.

"The breadth of brands now available at the centre provides additional reasons for consumers to visit. In particular, we believe that the enhanced food offering, will further drive foot fall and sales."

Wilkinson Williams & Morgan Williams acted as letting agents on behalf of Henderson.