Retail in Greater Manchester

[GShutty]

Great news that Peel are looking at the Lowry Outlet Mall. Peel, originally gave Orbit permission for the development. It needs a complete review IMO, in terms or layout, use of space and of course the oft criticised tenant mix. Hopefully Peel would address all three and certainly the latter given their obvious contacts.

They might just need to address the number of car parking spaces as on the occasions such as when the triathalon has been at the Quays, capacity was way over-stretched.

[flange]

It will be interesting with Peel looking to take over the Lowry Outlet Mall, as they have previous knowledge in the outlet market with Gloucester Quays Outlet Centre and that has quite a good line up off retailers.

I think the retailers like M&S, Gap and Nike will stay as well as the restaurants around The Plaza. Hopefully Vue Cinemas will stay, but I am not sure really with that.

[uklad1979]

Strange that Peel want to buy the mall when they have just merged the Trafford Centre into a larger company. I think they will clear out the management and bring in a strong leader from the Trafford Centre. It also need a clear brand as at the moment it is torn between Lowry Outlet Mall and Lowry Mall. I think the Lowry name should be dropped and media city or Quays names to be used. I also wonder what will happen with the 3rd residential tower which was planed for the service yard area will Orbit sell the whole site including carparks?
This is an interesting move as Peel obviously feel it has potential and they will be keen to turn it around. Some of the stores are run by Emerson/Orbit companies to fill the mall up so I imagine these will close plus the Cinema is dead if Peel ripped it out and created a bigger better mall it could work but I guess then they would be competing with there own mall.

[WingTips]

Originally Posted by uklad1979

Strange that Peel want to buy the mall when they have just merged the Trafford Centre into a larger company. I think they will clear out the management and bring in a strong leader from the Trafford Centre. It also need a clear brand as at the moment it is torn between Lowry Outlet Mall and Lowry Mall. I think the Lowry name should be dropped and media city or Quays names to be used. I also wonder what will happen with the 3rd residential tower which was planed for the service yard area will Orbit sell the whole site including carparks?
This is an interesting move as Peel obviously feel it has potential and they will be keen to turn it around. Some of the stores are run by Emerson/Orbit companies to fill the mall up so I imagine these will close plus the Cinema is dead if Peel ripped it out and created a bigger better mall it could work but I guess then they would be competing with there own mall.

Actually the Cinema is not dead...weeksnds see it packed, weekdays I would guess its pretty much in line with other Cinemas.Emerson also have alot of space there, this could potentilally be changed into Retail and all admin moved across the bridge. Some of the Emerson stores have already consolidated into the main @Home store by the Cinema.

[uklad1979]

Originally Posted by WingTips

Actually the Cinema is not dead...weeksnds see it packed, weekdays I would guess its pretty much in line with other Cinemas.Emerson also have alot of space there, this could potentilally be changed into Retail and all admin moved across the bridge. Some of the Emerson stores have already consolidated into the main @Home store by the Cinema.

I can see them closing that and any other they run as they are only to make the mall look less dead! The own the clearance shop, @Home, @home bath store, Pro Cook Shop, and I think that is it now?

The Cinema is massively under-performing I was told last year it is the worst in Vue's chain. A plan to turn the cinema was once mooted but nothing came of it.

[WingTips]

Originally Posted by uklad1979

I can see them closing that and any other they run as they are only to make the mall look less dead! The own the clearance shop, @Home, @home bath store, Pro Cook Shop, and I think that is it now?

The Cinema is massively under-performing I was told last year it is the worst in Vue's chain. A plan to turn the cinema was once mooted but nothing came of it.

Thats interesting as many times I have seen long queues at the Cinema, Peel must have some great plans for the place especially now MC is up and running.

[andrewh1973]

Originally Posted by uklad1979

The Cinema is massively under-performing I was told last year it is the worst in Vue's chain. A plan to turn the cinema was once mooted but nothing came of it.

Personally I'd rather the cinema stay but it change operator to Cineworld... then i'd be able to use my Unlimited card to watch films locally, without having to drive to one of the existing 5 Cineworlds in Gt. Manchester!

[flange]

There used to be a Cineworld at Salford Quays but it closed down 10 years ago, it was the former Virgin/UGC Cinemas that has layed derelict next to the Copthorne Hotel for the last 10 years.

Also the cinema at Lowry has changed operators just as much from Warner Village to Red Cinema and finally to Vue.

[andrewh1973]

Originally Posted by flange

There used to be a Cineworld at Salford Quays but it closed down 10 years ago, it was the former Virgin/UGC Cinemas that has layed derelict next to the Copthorne Hotel for the last 10 years.

Also the cinema at Lowry has changed operators just as much from Warner Village to Red Cinema and finally to Vue.

Yes I knew about that former site, it was actually closed down before Cineworld merged with UGC. Cineworld apparently did once think about re-opening it but ruled it out because of its location and because it would have needed an expensive (re)fit out to bring it back into use (i.e. it was stripped of equipment upon closure). Cineworld really should have a site in "central" Manchester though IMHO.

[flange]

Originally Posted by andrewh1973

Cineworld really should have a site in "central" Manchester though IMHO.

I doubt that would really happen, the city centre is already well served for cinemas with the Odeon at The Printworks, AMC at Great Northern and the Cornerhouse.

And where the existing Cineworlds are, some of them are not to far from the city centre, so they probably dont see it as a problem not having a cinema in the city centre, the Didsbury one is always busy whenever I go there.

[uklad1979]

Originally Posted by flange

I doubt that would really happen, the city centre is already well served for cinemas with the Odeon at The Printworks, AMC at Great Northern and the Cornerhouse.

And where the existing Cineworlds are, some of them are not to far from the city centre, so they probably dont see it as a problem not having a cinema in the city centre, the Didsbury one is always busy whenever I go there.

AMC has sold off most of it's international cinemas and has not invested in opening anymore in the UK for years. I can see these 2 being sold off at some point with Vue or Cineworld buying them.

[flange]

Originally Posted by flange

The planning application has now gone online for McDonalds.

Documents are now online.

[SF07]

Protest launches against plans to build supermarket on Swinton burial ground

A protest has been launched over plans to dig up an old burial ground to make way for a new supermarket.

Swinton Shopping Centre bosses GVA Grimley submitted plans to build an Asda superstore and multi-storey car park last October.

But this would mean the remains from graves, which include a First World War soldier, would need to be moved from the burial ground, located next to the former Swinton Unitarian Church.

The church was demolished in 1985 to make way for the shopping centre’s current car park and the small graveyard, opposite The Football pub, was grassed over.

Campaigners have slammed the plans and want planners to either build around the graveyard or construct a memorial garden instead.

But GVA said the burial ground had been left in a ‘sorry state’.

Layne Mercer, senior director at GVA Grimley, said: "It has been left in a sorry state of affairs since the church was demolished.

"Extraditing the remains and moving them to another well-kept Salford cemetery will be the most respectful way to honour the dead.

"We plan to install a memorial plaque at the site. It would not be feasible to build around it." GVA consulted an archaeology specialist and a report has been included in the detailed planning application.

As part of The Disused Burials Grounds Act (Amendment) 1981, the rights of relatives or descendants are reduced if 50 years have passed since the last burial, which was in 1962. It is understood the burial ground contains 55 plots and 313 burials, with the first burial dating back to the 1800s.

Mr Mercer added: "We have followed certain legislation, notice and procedure in accordance with The Disused Burials Grounds Act (Amendment) 1981."

The plans are expected to be discussed at a council planning committee meeting next month. Michael Moulding, who lives in Swinton, is spearheading the campaign against the plans and has distributed thousands of leaflets to drum up support.

He said: "I do not oppose the construction of Asda. A sign for the burial ground was vandalised and never replaced, hence why many people just believe it’s a patch of grass with no significance.

"I could not think of a more fitting tribute than to transform the ground into a memorial garden. "I have spoken to relatives of Swintonians buried there and they want their loved ones to remain in Swinton, moving them would be disrespectful." The 35,000 sq ft Asda could create 250 jobs and would include 340 parking spaces.

http://menmedia.co.uk/salfordadverti...-burial-ground

[flange]

Originally Posted by Seasonedbest

Can anyone confirm whaaaats going on with Kro2? Its already annoying me the fact that a) theres still a sign on the door saying that they'd be open at the start of Jan and b) that this is obvious lies as it is now Feb, the place looks like a derelict mess and they've virtually chopped the trees down in the beer garden, yet somehow managed to leave the fairylights up.

Not that I'm dying for them to return as the place lacked character and was baltic in winter.

Rumours are now doing the rounds that Tesco will open in the Kro2 bar unit on Oxford Road.

http://www.facebook.com/groups/13959...ivity&refid=52

[future.architect]

Originally Posted by flange

Rumours are now doing the rounds that Tesco will open in the Kro2 bar unit on Oxford Road.

http://www.facebook.com/groups/13959...ivity&refid=52

When will this end? There is a Tesco about 300 metres down the street!

Tesco have definitely got too big.

[flange]

Originally Posted by flange

The former MFI unit at Moorgate Retail Park has got a new tenant. It will become Lewis's Home.

Plans are online for store signage here.

http://e-planning.bury.gov.uk/DCWebP...ystemkey=43393

It looks like the Lewis's Home store planned for Moorgate Retail Park in Bury, has now changed to become a TJ Hughes, a new planning application has gone online for new store signage.

Unit A, Moorgate Retail Park, Bury, BL9 7AQ

1 No non illuminated fascia signs; 2 No illuminated fascia signs; 2 No non illuminated directional signs (Resubmission of 54217)

http://e-planning.bury.gov.uk/DCWebP...ystemkey=44166

It makes sense following Lewis buying the rights to the TJ Hughes name last year, along with buying four of the former TJ Hughes stores.

[flange]

One-stop health village plan for shopping park

Monday 17th October 2011 in

SHOPPERS could soon access all their health care needs in one visit to a retail park.

Lloydspharmacy wants to create a Health Village at Middlebrook Retail and Leisure Park.

It is a trial concept for the company and would be the first of its kind in the North West.

It would take the place of JJB Sports, and would include a mezzanine floor.

The plans, which have been submitted to Bolton Council, include a pharmaLloydcy, opticians, podiatary services and a coffee shop on the ground floor.

The upper floor would have a skin clinic, hearing services, physiotherapy and consultant rooms.

If it receives the go ahead, the development could open next year.

David Hagan, planner for the Emerson Group which owns the retail park, said: “The premise of this new concept is founded on the fact that people are increasingly regarding their time as precious, whilst also having an ever-growing interest in maintaining the health of not just themselves but their families too.

“The proposed Health Village will, in essence, allow busy people to access a wide variety of health services under one roof over an extended period of trading.”

The first Health Village opened in Brent Cross, north London, last month.

A spokesman for Lloydspharmacy said: “Lloydcy spharmacy is an innovative company and as such we are always looking to enhance our customer proposition including developing new services and products as well as store formats.

“We can confirm that a planning application has been submitted to introduce a new retail healthcare concept that will benefit communities in Bolton.

“We’re hoping to launch this new initiative mid-2012, and are working closely with the local authority and relevant partners to meet this timeline.”

http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/...shopping_park/



Image from Health Village from Lloydspharmacy Facebook page.

The planning applications to change the use of the unit and to divide the unit into two, were approved last year.

SUBDIVISION OF UNIT 1 TO CREATE TWO UNITS TOGETHER WITH ELEVATIONAL ALTERATIONS

CHANGE OF USE FROM A1 TO MIXED A1/D1 USE, OR A1 USE, TOGETHER WITH INSTALLATION OF A MEZZANINE FLOOR.

The plan is to divide the JJB unit into two one for the Helath Village and the other for JJB.

[andrewh1973]

Originally Posted by future.architect

When will this end?

...When Denmark falls!

[flange]

Poundland Latest Store to Open at Openshaw's Lime Square

Local shoppers will be quids in as Poundland, Europe’s biggest single price discount retailer, announces that its new store will open on Thursday 23 February in Lime Square, Openshaw. The new store will create 29 new jobs.

To kick off the celebrations, the opening will be a family fun day on Saturday 25 February when Coronation Street’s Paula Lane aka ‘Kylie Platt’ - will get the party started signing autographs and having her picture taken with local fans.

From 11am ‘Kylie’ will be giving out £1 vouchers, which shoppers can exchange for anything from a pack of Kodak batteries to greeting cards for every occasion.

The family fun day will offer shoppers plenty of ways to win Poundland goodies. Shoppers can take part in the ‘Poundland Lucky Numbers’ where £100 worth of Poundland vouchers will be given away throughout the day. The fun continues all day with Poundland’s in-store DJ and entertainer who will be giving away balloons and sweets and getting the crowds excited!

Poundland has over 380 stores nationwide selling an array of products at just £1. The range includes top brand essentials including Mr Muscle, Cadbury, Weight Watchers, Colgate and Heinz.

Poundland also offers seasonal products including a range for Easter and there are plenty of offers including 3 for £1 on pick and mix crisps, chocolates and drinks, and ‘Buy One Get One Free’ deals, so shoppers can get even more for a pound.

Poundland’s Trading Director, David Coxon, says: “We are delighted to bring our unique proposition to Openshaw.

“Poundland offers exceptional value on top branded products to over 4 million customers every week .The £1 price hasn’t changed since we opened our first store 21 years ago. Our current customers love us and we are sure the Openshaw shoppers will too!”

Poundland joins Greggs and B&M who have already opened at Lime Square earlier this month. Bright House, Bet Fred, Extra Care and Store 21 are also joining the line up.

http://www.dransfield.co.uk/news.php?id=615

Another new retailer to add to the mix at Lime Square with Brighthouse.

[flange]

Town hall bosses bid for slice of £1m 'Mary Portas scheme' to help struggling high streets

February 21, 2012

Town hall chiefs across Greater Manchester are battling for their share of a £1m pot as they try to save the region’s struggling high streets.

Bosses from seven councils are set to compete for funding from a government scheme spearheaded by TV’s ‘queen of shops’ Mary Portas.

They will be up against scores of other town halls from across the country for the chance to resuscitate their faltering high streets.

The pot is to be shared out between 12 councils – meaning a successful town hall would get an £85,000 boost.

Stockport town centre, where one in three shops currently stands empty, is one of those hoping for the cash injection.

Council leader Dave Goddard said: “We will do whatever it takes to make sure our town centre is fit for the future.

“We want to work with local groups and businesses on a joint approach to make the town centre even better and attract more footfall.”

The new fund, made up of government cash, was one of a series of ideas put forward by Portas in a bid to halt the decline of the British high street as shoppers head to out-of-town superstores and shop online.

Salford is also hoping for a slice of the £1m fund. Council leader John Merry said Eccles and Walkden town centres and Salford precinct may be put forward, but a decision has not yet been taken.

He added: “We recognise we can’t solve all the problems with it though. It’s just a starting point.”

Tameside council is also bidding for the cash, which they would spend in Stalybridge.

Manchester, Bury, Trafford and Rochdale are all bidding while Wigan is considering the move. In Rochdale, the bid is part of a wider package of measures designed to pump cash back into the high street.

There, town hall and business leaders have come together to set up the Rochdale High Street Foundation to help shopping districts across the town.

Paul Turner Mitchell, chair of the new foundation, said: “Our town centre is crying out for change. It is up to us to make this happen and shape the town centre we want to see.”

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereven...g-high-streets