Associated Property Investors (API) has secured funding from HSBC for the redevelopment of 19–31 Manchester Piccadilly Gardens - known in the city as the site of the Woolworths fire in 1979, and more recently as an amusement arcade.
Chris Dalzell, managing director of API, said: “As owners of the building we are very pleased that after a long period of under use, we have been able to bring forward the refurbishment of this important and well known building in Piccadilly Gardens.
“The impressive tenant line-up is testament to both the quality of the location and the strength of the Manchester economy.”
Travelodge
Budget hotel chain Travelodge will open a 157-room hotel and 102-seat bar café, taking the company’s footprint in Manchester to twelve properties, with five in the city centre.
“We are delighted to have secured this prime site in the heart of Manchester,” said Paul Harvey, managing director for development at Travelodge.
“Manchester has traded very well over the past five years, with a thriving leisure offering thanks to its strong retail offer, vibrant social scene, the Manchester Arena and the continued success of the city’s famous football clubs, City and United.
“When you also account for a strong business sector, boosted by the MediaCity UK development and arrival of the BBC at Salford Quays, the demand for good quality, value accommodation in Manchester city centre is growing.
“Our new Travelodge fronting Piccadilly Gardens is perfectly located for Manchester’s great shops, bars and restaurants and is only a couple of minutes’ walk from Manchester Piccadilly train station.”
Nando's & Zizzi
Meanwhile, Nando’s has taken a 5,000 sq ft unit in the building, with over 50 jobs being created at the new restaurant. The news comes less than a week after the Portuguese flame-grilled Peri-Peri chicken brand opened another restaurant in London’s Kensel Rise.
Italian restaurant chain Zizzi will be occupying 6,750 sq.ft site, taking its portfolio in Manchester to four units, with others in Spinningfields, the Trafford Centre and the Corn Exchange.
The Manchester Picadilly Gardens redevelopment is also going to be occupied by a Morrisons M Local convenience store covering 12,000 sq.ft. Construction work on the building is expected to be completed by December 2013, with upwards of 100 jobs created in the run up to Christmas.