The landmark shopping centre was last sold in 2005
15:33, 29 May 2025Updated 15:37, 29 May 2025
Manchester Arndale is one of Britain’s best-known shopping centres(Image: Redwood)
A 50 per cent stake in Manchester’s iconic Arndale centre has gone up for sale.
Property agent JLL has confirmed that it is selling the stake in Manchester Arndale on behalf of the former INTU RCF Investors. The stake is valued at around £235 million.
Manchester Arndale is a city landmark and one of Britain’s next-known shopping centres. It covers almost 2m sq ft of space, with key tenants including Apple, Next, Boots, JD Sports and Zara.
JLL says that over the past two years, tenants have invested in new stores or in extending their existing ones – “demonstrating their commitment to this leading centre”.
A spokesperson for the investors said: “We are delighted to confirm we are working with JLL to commence the marketing process of the Arndale this week, providing investors an opportunity to purchase a 50% stake in this super prime city centre asset that has not been available since it last sold in 2005.”
Work on the Arndale centre began in 1972 and the centre was completed in 1979 at the cost of £100m. It was built by the Arndale Property Trust – whose name comes from those of its founders, Arnold Hagenbach and Sam Chippindale.
The centre was rebuilt after it was badly damaged in the 1996 IRA bombing of Manchester. In 2005 the centre was bought jointly by Intu and by M&G Real Estate. Intu collapsed into administration in 2020.
Earlier this month, centre bosses confirmed five existing Manchester Arndale retailers had signed long-term leases to extend their stay at the complex.
Footwear store Deichmann has signed a 10-year lease and is extending its store, while Waterstones has renewed its lease for another seven years. The Body Shop and Victoria’s Secret have both signed five-year deals, with Victoria’s Secret planning to refit its store. Urban Playground has committed to a three-year extended lease.
Announcing the retailers’ new deals, Scott Linard, portfolio director for M&G Real Estate, said: “Retailers want to be where the people are, and Manchester Arndale’s high visitor numbers, strong tenant mix, and prime city centre location make it a clear choice.”
Steve Gray, head of European retail asset management at Global Mutual, added: “Their renewed commitment is a testament to the strong trading environment, impressive customer base, and dynamic mix of brands that the centre offers.”
In March, LEGO announced it was relocating its store within the Arndale. The new store will open this summer.
Shweta Munshi, vice president of marketing, LEGO Retail at the LEGO Group said: “We are continually investing in our store portfolio and this new store will be a top retail destination for product launches and events, while acting as a hub for our LEGO community and new builders alike.”
And Mr Gray, from Global Mutual, added: “It is great to see the LEGO Group commit its long-term future to Manchester Arndale with a new larger store. The LEGO Store is one of our most popular retailers and we expect their enhanced space will attract even more shoppers.”
The Manchester Evening News also revealed in February that Sephora was opening its second Manchester store, this time in the Arndale, in summer.