Jabez Clegg on the market at £2.5m

MANCHESTER bar business Hale Leisure has puts its Jabez Clegg venue on the market with a £2.5m price tag.

The building, close to Manchester University off Oxford Road, is being marketed as a development site because Hale won planning permission for 80 student rooms in 2011.

Future development will involve converting the main building, which is listed due to its association with the Holy Name Church next door, and adding a new block. A 5,000 sq ft bar would be retained.

Agent Jeremy Collins of Manchester-based Jenics said Hale had received a few unsolicited approaches. “We thought it was the right time to take it to the market especially as there is an informal embargo on new student developments within Manchester city centre,” said Mr Collins.

Hale Leisure, owned by Aidan and Sheila Clancy, also operates the Thirsty Scholar in the archways underneath Oxford Road railway station and Joshua Brooks on Charles Street.

The plan is for a new owner to have the accommodation ready for the 2014 September term.