The plans focus on the redevelopment of the existing precinct centre to create a 40,500 sq ft retail and leisure offer, specifically designed to host a mix of high quality brands and amenities.
The plans reconfigure the existing precinct centre to create up to 14 units ranging in size from 600 sq ft to 11,000 sq ft, with double-height glazed frontages onto Oxford Road. The variety of units will create a mixed offer of retail, food and leisure for students, staff and visitors to the University and Business School, the significant working population on and around Oxford Road and the local residents.
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The offer will complement the new hotel and enhanced Manchester Business School Executive Education Centre, both of which are being developed as part of phase one, which was granted planning consent in April 2013 with construction due to commence later in 2014.
In addition to the retail and leisure, phase two includes the removal of a link bridge across Oxford Road to improve views and light levels in the area. Public realm improvements such as pavement widening will enhance the area for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users.
The phase two redevelopment also includes the refurbishment of circa 200,000 sq ft of MBS facilities to create significantly improved teaching and administrative accommodation, a new Learning Library and Enterprise Zone.
Subject to planning consent, work on the retail redevelopment will begin in 2015, with the development set to open in mid-2016.
(CD/JP)
