Manchester’s St Ann’s Square has secured two new lettings, countering fears that the retail district was losing its upmarket feel.
Both deals are in the former WH Smith unit, which was badly damaged by fire in 1999.
Cosmetics retailer Lush is to take the 54 sq m (579 sq ft) ground-floor unit at 23 St Ann’s Square. The passing rent is £83,000 pa, equating to about £180 zone A. Mobile phone retailer Orange is also understood to be taking a further unit on similar terms.
A deal is also imminent on the larger unit, 17-19 St Ann’s Square. The 444 sq m (4,783 sq ft) ground-floor sales area has a passing rent of £264,000 pa.
Letting agent Justin Mortimer, at city retail specialist Cheetham & Mortimer, said: “There is now evidence that St Ann’s Square is picking up strength again.”
EGi News 04/04/01
