Burger chain Five Guys among three brands signed at Manchester’s University Green

Three new brands are coming to the 40,000 sq ft University Green development in Manchester.

Property giant Bruntwood and The University of Manchester have today (May 4) announced that supermarket firm Co-op Food, restaurant chain Loungers and fast food company Five Guys will join the line-up at the recently launched scheme, which is part of the university’s £1bn Campus Masterplan.

Informal dining brand Loungers will establish a 120-cover café and bar within a 3,175 sq ft unit. American burger chain Five Guys will continue its UK expansion with the opening of a 3,175 sq ft ground-floor restaurant.

The interiors of the 88-cover venue, its first in the Corridor Manchester innovation district, have been created by London-based design studio Blacksheep.

Co-op Food, meanwhile, will occupy a 4,656 sq ft unit. The new store will boast an on-site bakery and offer locally sourced products.

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

Bruntwood retail surveyor James Tootle said of the signings: “We are so pleased to secure such well known, popular brands at University Green.

“These new additions reflect our desire to provide an exciting retail and leisure line-up, and we have no doubt they will be well received by the diverse population we have on Oxford Road.”

The University of Manchester’s director of estates and facilities, Diana Hampson, commented: “This string of recent signings show the strength and belief in the future success of the development.

“University Green will certainly enhance the dining offer for the University and surrounding area, and provide sociable spaces and greater choice for students, staff and local residents.”

The regional acquisitions manager at the Co-op, Chris Moss, said: “The scale of this development was a very attractive proposition and something we were keen to be involved in.

“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to provide students and shoppers with our wide range of award-winning food, in a store designed to be easy to use for everyone.”

University Green’s position within Corridor Manchester is considered a key growth area for its proximity to various major institutions, research facilities and technological assets, including Alliance Manchester Business School and Manchester Science Partnerships.

Upon completion next year, the development will create 40,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space across 12 units.

Following the latest wave of signings, just six units remain available.

Bruntwood was represented in the transaction by Metis Real Estate Advisors. Bradys acted for Co-op and Insight Retail for Loungers. Five Guys represented itself.