Speculation is mounting that McDonald’s will quit its prominent unit in Manchester’s prime Market Street area and relocate elsewhere in the city centre.
The fast-food chain owns the freehold of the 1,022 sq m (11,000 sq ft) three-storey building, which it occupies at the heart of the pitch. A source said: “The rumour is that theyre selling it off and looking at relocating to Lewiss department store in Piccadilly.”
James Barton, of McDonald’s development team, said: “Selling the freehold and relocating has been thought about, but nothing has been proposed as yet.”
McDonald’s already has a number of units in the city, including one in the Prudentials Arndale Centre, opposite the Market Street store.
Although Market Street continues to be popular with the multiple retail chains, it is experiencing upheaval as the redevelopment of the adjacent Piccadilly area begins. The development will take around two years to complete.
Many believe Market Street is also suffering in comparison with the neighbouring Exchange Square scheme, where extensive redevelopment has recently taken place.
EGi News 23/11/00
