Royal Exchange arcade revamp gets green light

A £1m scheme to refurbish the 19,000sq ft retail arcade at Manchester’s Royal Exchange has been given the go ahead.

Trinistar Manchester’s second planning application – part of a wider multi-million pound regeneration project of the iconic building – has been planning consent by Manchester City Councillors.

Ultimately, the landmark Grade II-list building will be externally cleaned while a new design strategy for the retail units aims to attract ‘best in class’ locxal and independent retailers to the development.

The property on St Ann’s Square comprises a national theatre, 120,000 sq ft of office space and 100,000sq ft of retail accommodation, offering a variety of retail unit sized with opportunities for occupiers between 1,000sq ft to 18,000sq ft.

The Royal Exchange is home to occupiers including Molton Brown, Starbucks, Accessorize, Scribbler and The Body Shop.

Executive Director at Trinity IM Richard Boyl esaid: “We undertook an in-depth study to ensure that the refurbishment plans matched our vision for the future of the building.

“The arcade and retail space are a fundamental part of the overall scheme. Our plans will help unlock its potential and create a stunning retail environment, which will attract quality independent retailers, many of which will be local, plus other retailers which may not currently have a presence in Manchester.

“The consent means that we can start work straight away. Our aim is to keep the shops open during the refurbishment.”