First brands announced for Manchester’s 40,000 sq ft University Green development

A series of retail and leisure signings have been announced at the The University of Manchester’s recently launched University Green scheme.

University Green, forming part of a £1bn Campus Masterplan and redevelopment, will comprise 40,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space across 12 double-height units.

Academic and general book retailer Blackwell’s is the first of the brands to be confirmed for the project, having signed up for a 6,300 sq ft unit.

Manchester-born artisan coffee company Takk is the second brand coming to University Green. The 1,500 sq ft café, designed by interiors firm Sheila Bird Group, will be Takk’s second location in the city.

Thirdly, national sandwich shop chain Pret A Manger is due to establish a 2,500 sq ft store.

All three will open in Summer 2018, shortly after the scheme is complete.

Toby Sproll, head of retail and leisure at property giant Bruntwood, said: “We are thrilled to have secured such quality operators and retailers as part of the first wave of signings for University Green.

“Our focus is to create an exciting mix of retail and leisure for the significant population that study, work and live in Corridor Manchester.”

Takk co-owner Phillip Hannaway commented: “We could not be more excited to be opening on the re-developed campus and have the opportunity to bring our passion for incredible coffee and food to a new community.

“From the design side of things we want to create something completely different to our Northern Quarter site, University Green is going to be an incredible space.”

Dean Drew, Blackwell’s sales and marketing director, said: “To be able to re-launch our shop in the heart of Corridor Manchester is a great opportunity.

“We have been providing books to students and the Manchester community since 1991 and are delighted to continue this longstanding relationship with the city and the University.”

He added: “We’ll provide a modern multi-channel space for our customers to enjoy.”

Bruntwood was represented on the deals by Metis Real Estate Advisors. Takk and Pret A Manger represented themselves, while SP Associates acted for Blackwell’s.

The University of Manchester’s director of estates and facilities, Diana Hampson, commented: “It is very exciting to have the first brands signed up and to see the university’s Campus Masterplan vision take shape. This landmark development in Manchester will highlight Corridor Manchester as an extension to the city.”

The £50m Oxford Road regeneration project being driven by Bruntwood and The University of Manchester includes improved public realm alongside the newly extended 350,000 sq ft Alliance Manchester Business School.

Complementing the University Green redevelopment will be a 116-room Staybridge Suites and 210-bed Crowne Plaza Hotel, both of which will open at the end of the year.

More than 60k people are employed in the area, but that figure is forecast to surpass 75k by 2020.

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