Taste of ‘Down Under’ in prospect for historic 196 Deansgate

A CGI of the new unit

Property company CEG has submitted a planning application and listed building consent application for the conversion of Unit 194 on the ground floor of the Grade II-listed 196 Deansgate development in Manchester.

The new tenant will be Federal Cafe & Bar, a renowned local antipodean cafe which will provide an independent coffee house, offering quality breakfast, brunch and lunch.

Greg Lacey, investment manager at CEG, said: “We set out to find an independent, credible operator who can bring a barista and all-day brunch offer to benefit 196 Deansgate’s existing office occupiers and visitors.

“Federal Cafe & Bar is hugely popular in Manchester and the first time I met Claudio I knew we had the right operator.

“As part of the proposed works, we will be opening up part of the building’s reception to allow direct access. I’m very excited to see what is a fantastic unit restored and its historical features put on show to the public.”

Claudio Ribeiro runs the popular Federal Cafe & Bar on Manchester’s High Street, close to the Arndale, which is now ranked in TripAdvisor’s top 10 Manchester eateries. This latest venture is expected to create 20 jobs.

Claudio said: “Our first Manchester base has gone from strength to strength since we opened in 2014, building a strong and loyal customer base in the Northern Quarter.

“We were keen to expand our antipodean café culture brand and the historic 196 Deansgate provides an impressive setting for this next venture.”

CEG has managed an investment of approximately £3m at 196 Deansgate, providing five floors of high-quality offices and attracting a variety of retail and leisure operators on the ground floor, including Arc Inspirations Manahatta bar and restaurant brand opening this month.

196 Deansgate sits at the busy junction of Deansgate, Quay Street and Peter Street in the heart of Manchester’s business district.

Designed by architect Charles Heathcote and constructed in 1904 for the Royal London Friendly Society, the Grade II-listed building is a classic example of Edwardian Baroque architecture.

CEG has remodelled the entrance and reception to provide an impressive atrium from the ground to fifth floors, providing contemporary office space with unique heritage features in this striking stone building.

Indigo Planning is advising as planning consultant with GA Studio acting as architects for the design and fit out of the new Federal Cafe & Bar venture, subject to planning and listed building consent permission.

Cheetham & Mortimer acted as agent for CEG and Sixteen Real Estate for Federal Cafe & Bar.

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