Manchester Arndale part-fills Topshop space

Gilly Hicks and Clarks will be moving into part of the former Topshop unit, with iFix and Pizza Hut signing elsewhere in the centre.

Manchester Arndale added that Hollister has recommitted its future to the centre, relocating to the former Disney Store unit.

Clarks, the popular British footwear brand, will occupy a 3,551 sq ft unit on a 10-year lease. This will be Clarks’ only store in Manchester city centre and will be located in a prime position on New Cannon Street.

The new Gilly Hicks store will be home to a range of activewear, loungewear and intimates. This will be the retailer’s first Manchester store, after it recently expanded its offering to include menswear and a gender-neutral collection.

From the Abercrombie & Fitch family of brands, Hollister will continue to offer its apparel, fragrances, and accessories to Manchester shoppers from its new location. Meanwhile, jewellery and glasswear producer Swarovski has also agreed a new lease.

Gilly Hicks and Clarks will be joined by other new arrivals iFix and Pizza Hut – iFix will provide in-store phone and electronic repair services, while Pizza Hut will be opening a new express takeaway outlet within Manchester Arndale’s Food Court.

These arrivals follow a flurry of other new lettings that include Pure Fashion, which recently committed to a 3,709 sq ft store on a five-year lease. Other renewals include restaurant chain Nando’s which has signed a new five-year lease, womenswear brand House of CB which has extended its lease for a further three years and fashion footwear specialist Office, signing for a new five-year lease re-gear.

Manchester Arndale is now at 95% retail occupancy. Metis Real Estate and Time Retail Partners are Manchester Arndale’s retained letting agents.

Colin Flinn, spokesperson for Manchester Arndale, said: “We are delighted that Clarks, Gilly Hicks, iFix and Pizza Hut have decided to join the line up at Manchester Arndale. Rather than try and re-let the whole of the former Topshop space, we made the decision to split the space, and create three new high-quality units in a prime location.

“This decision has proved correct as we have now secured two well-known tenants, with the last unit currently under offer, which shows that retailer demand for quality, well placed units remains high. We are equally pleased that Hollister and Swarovski have recommitted to Manchester Arndale, demonstrating confidence in the centre as we continue to attract and retain popular international brands and retailers.”

Nicolas Burquier, managing director, Pizza Hut Europe & Canada, said: “We’re always looking for accessible ways to reach our customers and deliver our much-loved signature flavours in a way that works for them – and our Express arm allows us to do just that. Our customers will now be able to enjoy their favourite pizza either to takeaway or enjoy in the food court communal seating area.”