Follow-up plan for The Royal Exchange

A SECOND application for the £1m transformation of retail and leisure space in Manchester’s Royal Exchange has been submitted.

It has been lodged by Trinistar Manchester and includes  a major refurbishment of The Royal Exchange’s 19,000sq ft retail arcade.

It also involves the external cleaning of The Royal Exchange, including the installation of new exterior lighting to enhance the physical appearance of this prestigious building.

The application also focuses on the implementation of a shop front design strategy for the exterior retail units, incorporating additional and improved signage zones.

This follows the approval of the first application for the northern offices in May where works have started as planned, with the main fit-out contract on schedule for completion in the first quarter 2016.

The scheme currently has commitments on three of the six floors of office space.

Trinity IM executive director Richard O’Boyle said: “This second application forms part of our exciting transformation of Manchester Royal Exchange.

“Following Manchester City Council’s fantastic support for our initial application we are now taking our plans to the next level by investing in the external fabric and appearance of this magnificent building.

“The initiatives will greatly enhance the profile of the building in its strategic location, right at the core of the city centre. If approved, work would commence immediately and shops will remain open during this time.”