Facelift for Manchester Corn Exchange

摘要

Aviva Investors aims to revitalise Manchester Corn Exchange into a boutique, high-end fashion centre (pictured). It received planning consent last month to "declutter" the 130,000 sq ft scheme, remove old signage and restore its original Edwardian fascia. On completion this summer, the entrance will be repositioned on to Exchange Square, which is the present entrance to the 50,000 sq ft of Forsyth-run serviced offices in the block. The work is due for completion by the end of 2013 and will cost more than £4m. The removal of the existing signage will be part of Aviva's rebranding of the centre, which will be changed from the Triangle back to Manchester Corn Exchange. The Zone A rent is around £100. Aviva hopes to increase those slightly following the work. The scheme is around 20% vacant and Philip Nell, Aviva's head of UK retail funds, admits it has not been trading well.