The Comedy Store, birthplace of alternative comedy in the 1980s, is making its first foray into the regions and is opening in Manchester.
Comedy Store has taken 1,400 sq m (15,000 sq ft) at Westport’s Developments’ Deansgate Locks development on Whitworth Street West in the city. The deal ends a five-year search by the outfit to fund a suitable site. The club could be open by next April.
Don Ward, Comedy Store owner said: “After 20 years in London, I could think of no better way to celebrate than to open a second Comedy Store in Manchester.”
Deansgate Locks totals 4,740 sq m (51,000 sq ft) and it is understood major breweries are targeting the scheme for new Manchester outlets. Rents at the scheme are believed to average £161 per sq m (£15 per sq ft). Further deals are imminent according to letting agent Warwick Smither of Dunlop Heywood.
Cobbetts provided legal advice to Comedy Store. Lambert Smith Hampton also acted for the outfit.
EGi News 01/10/99
