Footfall up at popular Manchester venue in face of retail downturn

The Printworks

Manchester entertainment complex The Printworks is bucking the downward trend on the high street according to its owners.

The complex, close to Victoria Station, has seen a 8.25% increase in footfall since the complex was purchased by commercial real estate managers DTZ Investors in early 2017.

DTZ Investors bought The Printworks in February 2017, and reported record figures for the second half of 2017, with visitor figures up 7% towards the end of the year.

The centre attracted new tenants including Vue Cinema and the Irish-themed pub chain O’Neills.

The complex also expanded its experiential leisure offering with new leisure activity tenants including England’s first Treetop Adventure Golf and nationwide business Escape Reality, which is Manchester’s largest escape room with six-themed rooms, including an Alcatraz prison.

To accommodate Treetop Golf DTZ Investors remodelled 20,000 square foot of mothballed space on the second floor of the building into a new lettable unit with its own dedicated entrance point.

The Printworks also launched an ambitious events programme.

These included DraigCon (a Harry Potter fan convention), ThronesCon (a Game of Thrones fan convention), Vworp (a Doctor Who fan convention), a Soul Festival and the premier of Amazon’s All or Nothing documentary about Manchester City Football Club.

DTZ Investors is planning a major refurbishment to improve the internal common areas including the Pump Yard, as well as improving the entrances and external prominence.

A spokesperson said: “We have already invested approximately £2m since acquiring The Printworks with a focus on opening new venues which give customers a well-rounded experience, with world renowned entertainment and leisure brands all under the one roof.

“The Printworks has a special place within Mancunian hearts and we are committed to evolving the scheme to make it even more attractive for those looking for day-time competitive socialising and family friendly activities as well as the renowned wet-led evening entertainment.”

Fred Booth, director of The Printworks, said: “Despite the horrific terror attack at the Manchester Arena in 2017, which had a huge effect on businesses and the city as a whole, we are proud to see the city bounce back with The Printworks continuing to thrive and offer visitors a welcoming experience for guests of all ages.

“The Printworks continues to welcome nearly eight million people through its venue each year. “

 

Close