Big name boost for Afflecks Palace

Clothing brand Fred Perry has signed to relocate to Bruntwood Works’ iconic retail emporium in Manchester, where it will launch a store on the corner of Oldham Street and Church Street.

Fred Perry is relocating to Afflecks Palace from Police Street and the store is expected to open in the summer.

The fashion retailer will move into a 2,800 sq ft ground floor unit at the Northern Quarter bazaar, which was previously split in two and occupied by Ladbrokes and a cosmetics retailer.

In 2019, Bruntwood Works won approval to combine the shops to create a single unit and let it out to a restaurant or bar operator, but an occupier was never found.

Afflecks Palace is well known for its independent retailers but the landlord said it hopes that securing Fred Perry as a tenant will complement the existing offer within the five-storey complex at a challenging time for the retail industry.

Chris Middleton, senior retail manager at Bruntwood Works, said: “The addition of this much-loved brand will bolster the retail community in the Northern Quarter, building on Oldham Street’s offering as a lifestyle-led shopping destination.

“It feels particularly exciting to be announcing the news after what has been a challenging 12 months for retail, as we look forward to a bright future for Manchester city centre.”