Gary Neville's development firm has 'secured the long-term future' of the 'Manchester landmark' Kendals. The United legend's company, Relentless, will transform the art deco department store which attracted shoppers for generations after the building opened in 1939.
Nevertheless, its era as a retail haven is drawing to a close following approval in 2021 of proposals to convert the nine-storey Deansgate block into offices, cafés, and shops. Following years of comparative silence surrounding the scheme, two significant announcements regarding its future have emerged within the past week.
Last Thursday (November 20), Andy Burnham announced £44m from his new £1bn 'Good Growth Fund' would be allocated to help launch the conversion, reports . Six days later, Relentless was designated as the developer for the scheme, which its chief executive, Anthony Kilbride, described as a 'proud' moment.
He said: "We're proud to be working in partnership with Investec to secure the future of this much-loved Manchester landmark. We look forward to drawing on our reputation for creating modern, future-facing workspace that fulfils the city's commercial ambition while also preserving the architecture and heritage of its historically-significant buildings."
The firm has confirmed the revamped Kendals will house 230,000 sq ft of offices, 'extensive' space for food and drink, and room for shops. A new 280,000 sq ft office will be built where Kendals' multi-storey car park stands, behind the department store. Will Lewis, chief executive of OBI Property, outlined that the decision was taken to transform it into offices to satisfy soaring demand.
He stated: "The Kendal building is one of the most iconic buildings in the city centre and this exciting workspace conversion will deliver some of the most impressive prime office space in the city. Manchester's office market continues to be fuelled by high levels of demand from large occupiers across a variety of exciting growth sectors, underpinning its global appeal as a place to do business. Kendal will play a critical role in filling the obvious gap in supply."
Relentless has been bolstered by the recent completion of No. 1 St Michael's, a new office development constructed adjacent to the city's former Bootle Street police station, with hotels and flats nearby, called No. 2 St Michael's, scheduled for completion next year.
The firm has also revealed proposals to significantly expand the Stock Exchange Hotel, the upmarket venue launched by Mr Neville and former United colleague Ryan Giggs in 2019.
