Shenton buys Manchester Hall
Shenton Group has added the former Freemasons Hall on Bridge Street to its £680m portfolio.
Shenton has acquired Manchester Hall from Garnett Bridging, which took control of the asset from Vision Investments after Vision fell behind on loan repayments.
Vision, set up by director Stephen Cliff and Irish property developer Morgan Leahy in 2008, has owned the asset since 2011. Graham + Sibbald was brought on to market the building in 2024, with Savills taking over agent duties when Garnett took over the site.
It was Vision that had redeveloped the building into a dining and events venue, as well as an eight-room boutique hotel. One of the ground-floor commercial units is let to the popular restaurant Dishoom on a 25-year lease that began in 2018.
Colin Shenton, owner of Shenton Group, spoke about how the acquisition of Manchester Hall was personal.
“It’s always rewarding to add to the portfolio but this acquisition is particularly special,” he said.
“I have been in and out of Manchester Hall for 40 years. It’s now in safe hands. It’s an honour, frankly, to own this and I’ll take very good care of her.”
Graham + Sibbald advised Shenton Group and Savills acted for the vendor on the deal.
In addition to Manchester Hall, Shenton Group’s portfolio includes more than 2,000 homes and more than 100,000 sq ft of commercial space.
I can assure you they do not have a £680m portfolio. Just because it’s in a press release doesn’t make it so!
By Mike
My husband was manager of free masons
Hall for. 35 years I am sure he is delighted
At the purchase by Mr Shenton
By Anonymous
They are legit
By Pinocchio
By owning 2,000 homes it makes them one of the UK’s largest privately owned landlords. Amazing that you don’t hear anything positive about them in the market, or really hear anything at all apart from the odd press release about scheme that never happen or serviced offices in Media city that didn’t work!
By Anonymous
Absolutely no chance of a £680m portfolio
By Anonymous
I thought it was a development portfolio with a value of up to £680m; slightly differentt to having an operational portfolio that is valued at £680m.
By Sam Antics
Why do people feel the need to make nasty comments yet remain anonymous?? Man up and put your name to it.
By Sally McDonnell
I’m glad it’s been bought by someone who has a personal attachment to it.. it needs to be a venue for local people to use and bring vibrant events to the area.. I have attended events there in the past and although it was looking tired it was a good building with great access.. it can always be that again
By Anonymous