It looks like a much-longed-for redevelopment WILL happen
(Image: Investec/Sheppard Robson)
Gary Neville’s development company has ‘secured the long-term future’ of the ‘Manchester landmark’ Kendals.
The United legend’s company, Relentless, will redevelop the art deco department store which enticed shoppers for generations after the building opened in 1939. However, its days as a shopping paradise are numbered after a plan to convert the nine-storey Deansgate block into offices, cafes, and shops was approved in 2021.
After years of relative quiet on the project, two major announcements have been made over its future in the last week. Last Thursday (November 20), Andy Burnham confirmed £44m of his new £1bn ‘Good Growth Fund’ would be spent to help get the conversion off-the-ground.
Six days later, Relentless was named as the developer for the project, something its chief executive, Anthony Kilbride, called a ‘proud’ moment.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“We’re proud to be working in partnership with Investec to secure the future of this much-loved Manchester landmark,” he said on Wednesday (November 26).
“We look forward to drawing on our reputation for creating modern, future-facing workspace that fulfils the city’s commercial ambition while also preserving the architecture and heritage of its historically-significant buildings.”
The company has confirmed the new Kendals will feature 230,000 sq ft of offices, ‘extensive’ space for food and drink, and room for shops. A new 280,000 sq ft office will be constructed where Kendals’ multi-storey car park is, behind the department store.
Will Lewis, boss of OBI Property, explained the decision was made to convert it into offices to help meet sky-high demand.
He said: “The Kendal building is one of the most iconic buildings in the city centre and this exciting workspace conversion will deliver some of the most impressive prime office space in the city.
(Image: Investec/Sheppard Robson)
“Manchester’s office market continues to be fuelled by high levels of demand from large occupiers across a variety of exciting growth sectors, underpinning its global appeal as a place to do business. Kendal will play a critical role in filling the obvious gap in supply.”
Relentless has been buoyed by the recent completion of No. 1 St Michael’s, a new office block built next to the city’s former Bootle Street police station, with hotels and apartments next door, called No. 2 St Michael’s, set to be finished next year.
It has also announced plans to massively expand the Stock Exchange Hotel, luxury accommodation opened by Mr Neville and ex-United teammate Ryan Giggs in 2019.