DTZ Investors has submitted planning for a £9m major refurbishment of the iconic Printworks Manchester. The plans mark the first major investment in the scheme since it launched 20 years ago and will maintain Printworks’ position as a leading and progressive entertainment destination for Manchester and beyond.
The works include enhancement of the external façade to complement the existing period architecture as well as new digital tenant signage and improved gateway entrances. There will also be an internal transformation with new technology, lighting and interaction to cater for our growing round-the-clock customer base.
The most spectacular aspect of the refurbishment will see the internal introduction of a 1,300m2 full span digital ceiling screen, which will be the largest in Europe. It will offer a stunning customer experience with the ability to control ambience, lighting and sound with ever-changing imagery and tailored content. Plus, with the growing trend for gamification, Printworks will also benefit from a large interactive screen in the heart of the scheme to encourage social competition and engagement from visitors.
Recent letting successes have welcomed tenants from the family and activity-led world, including Treetop Adventure Golf, Escape Reality, and Tenpin bowling (opening early 2020) which have bolstered an already impressive offer. DTZ Investors will continue to diversify its tenant-mix away from a predominantly late-night offer to fully reposition Printworks as the premier destination for both daytime and night-time entertainment in Manchester.
Refurbishment is scheduled to commence in Spring 2020 and is being structured in such a way to ensure minimum disruption so that Printworks can remain open and trading throughout.
Ben Haller, at DTZ Investors, said: “Our business has embraced the challenges of successful placemaking and we are deploying a variety of approaches throughout our portfolio. This refurbishment at Printworks will create an unrivalled interactive and immersive experience as a crucial element of our strategy, and operational changes will expand on existing community links alongside a new ambitious events and gaming programme. Printworks will offer our domestic and international customers with the quality and authenticity they expect from social interaction whether with family or friends”.
In contrast to industry trends, Printworks has continued to attract strong visitor numbers, ending 2018 with a footfall of over 8.1million – the highest since 2011.
As well as the redevelopment of Printworks, the scheme will also benefit from an overhaul of its branding, wayfinding and online platforms. The new website, which is set to launch later this year, will feature a dedicated development news page for visitors to keep up to date on the works as they progress.
