Plans to transform the former House of Fraser in Manchester into a 500,000 sq ft office scheme have been given the go ahead
Investec, which owns the iconic Kendal Building on Deansgate and the multi-storey car park to its rear, will now press ahead with transforming the buildings into a Sheppard Robson Architects-designed grade-A office.
The development will still provide retail space on the lower floors and particularly along the Deansgate frontage, but on a scale which is “sustainable and consistent with current and projected retail market demands”. Around 50,000 sq ft of retail space is expected to be delivered.
Mickey Nurtman, executive director of real estate at Investec, said: “A lot of hard work has been invested to get us to this point and we are confident the scheme will have a truly positive impact on Manchester city centre. We are proud to be leading on a scheme that celebrates the Kendal Building and today’s news ensures that the development will be a focal point of Deansgate for many years to come.”
Ed Britton, assistant director at Deloitte, which advised on planning, added: “Having stood at the centre of Deansgate for almost 100 years, the Kendal Milne building is an iconic part of Manchester city centre. The permission allows for a repurposing of space throughout, supporting employment growth and delivering a new development that will breathe vitality into this part of Deansgate and the nearby streets. The scheme will also deliver major improvements to the local public realm, creating a pedestrianised street contributing towards a more sustainable environment.”
A contractor for the project will now be appointed and completion is expected by 2024.
OBI Property has been appointed letting agent on the scheme, with LTL Property Consultants responsible for leasing the retail and leisure space.
To send feedback, e-mail samantha.mcclary@eg.co.uk or tweet @samanthamcclary or @EGPropertyNews
Images by Sheppard Robson Architects
Use EG Radius to discover recent office rents achieved in Manchester >>
