Manchester’s Kendals store is saved from closure

Manchester’s most iconic store has been saved from closure.

Kendals, on Deansgate, is to stay open after the owner of House of Fraser Mike Ashley agreed a new deal with the landlords.

The news that the jobs of the 568 people who work in the store have been saved.

Manchester Council has been involved in talks between Mike Ashley and the landlords to reduce the rent of £4.36m a year.

A council spokesman said: “Manchester City Council was instrumental in positively working alongside House of Fraser and the landlord to help secure the future of this store

“Approximately 568 jobs have been saved and one of the region’s most iconic department stores lives on.”

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Today’s announcement is fantastic news for the city and I am proud that the council Kendals in Manchester city centre has been saved from closure after the landlord agreed new rates with owner Mike Ashley.”

House of Fraser confirmed on Friday afternoon that the flagship store would continue trading – also securing the jobs of the 568 people who work there.

Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley, who bought House of Fraser for £90m in August, added: “This demonstrates that when landlords, local authorities and retailers work together the outcomes can be outstanding.

“When working together we can make a real difference to the high street.”

Ram Rasiah, who represented House of Fraser during negotiations, described the result as a ‘significant deal’ for Manchester.

The development marks a dramatic turnaround after staff were told on October 19 that the store would be closing in January.

In September, Mike Ashley said Altrincham’s House of Fraser store had been saved from closure.

Ashley struck a last-minute deal with the property’s landlord to ensure the store can keep trading.

The Kendal’s building has been a much-loved fixture since it first opened in 1832.

Mr Leese has called the current 1930s building “a treasure” of the city’s architecture.

The shop’s original name was Kendal Milne & Co and it is a listed building.