Bruntwood and The University of Manchester have today announced the first retail and leisure signings at University Green, which forms part of the University’s £1bn Campus Masterplan and redevelopment.
When complete next year, the scheme will provide 40,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space across 12 units each with double-height glazed frontages.
Manchester’s award-winning artisan coffee house, Takk, which will be opening its second site in the city. The 1,500 sq ft cafe will provide exceptional coffee alongside a breakfast, brunch and bespoke craft beer offer.
Takk will be collaborating with the Sheila Bird Group to create a thoughtful design, responding to its unique location and customer experience. Influenced by the owners’ passion for Nordic design, the new site aims to create a beautiful and welcoming space where people can relax and work.
Joining Takk will be Pret A Manger, the highly successful counter-serve chain, which has signed up for a 2,500 sq ft at the development. Pret will be serving up its usual menu of high quality ready-made sandwiches, breakfast goods, coffee, soups and salads.
Academic and general bookshop Blackwell’s is also confirmed for University Green, taking a 6,300 sq ft store.
University Green is sited in a key growth area within Corridor Manchester due to its proximity to major institutions, research facilities and technological and cultural assets including Manchester Science Partnerships and the University’s Alliance Manchester Business School on Oxford Road.
Toby Sproll, Head of Retail and Leisure at Bruntwood, said, “We are thrilled to have secured such quality operators and retailers as part of the first wave of signings for University Green. Our focus is to create an exciting mix of retail and leisure for the significant population that study, work and live in Corridor Manchester.”
Phillip Hannaway, co-owner of Takk, commented, “We could not be more excited to be opening on the re-developed campus and have the opportunity to bring our passion for incredible coffee and food to a new community. From the design side of things we want to create something completely different to our Northern Quarter site, University Green is going to be an incredible space.”
Diana Hampson, Director of Estates and Facilities at The University of Manchester, said, “It is very exciting to have the first brands signed up and to see the University’s Campus Masterplan vision take shape. This landmark development in Manchester will highlight Corridor Manchester as an extension to the city.”