DTZ Investors has announced a bumper year at retail and leisure destination King Street in Manchester City Centre, following a raft of lettings during 2021.
Nine brands have committed to leases at the iconic shopping district in 2021.
DTZ became a majority stakeholder of King Street in 2016 and has since worked to reposition the street to nurture one of Manchester’s most creative and culture-focused city centre areas.
The landlord, which owns 65% of total real estate on King Street, leases vacant units to smaller brands as part of its brand activations strategy, attracting companies such as sustainability, diversity, and cost-conscious; The Pop-Up Club and multi-sensory experience provider Lazerian Art.
The street has also welcomed several national retailers who have opened their first stores in Manchester, including Crepes Locker, international salon Nail’d It, cosmetic dentist Smile Direct Club and American baked goods company Cinnabon. Global brand The White Company also reaffirmed their commitment to the street by signing a renewed lease.
Tom Royston, director at DTZ Investors, said: “We are really pleased with the progress at King Street. Our vision has always been to attract tenants by providing flexible leasing options with particular focus on retail which has allowed us to bring a high-quality shopping experience and some of the UK’s leading food and beverage operators to King Street.
“The success we have experienced this year on the back of a turbulent time for the high street is really promising, and we’re looking forward to building on this by attracting further tenants to complement the diverse environment we have created.”
Jonathan Thompson from LTL, letting agents on the scheme added: “We have seen some incredible brands commit to King Street over the last year and believe this is due to our flexible leasing strategy and the calibre of brands already occupying units on the street. Welcoming some global brands such as Cinnabon and Nail’d It has enhanced our current offering, and we are already 90% fully let.
“Our pop-up strategy has also given a platform to some smaller brands which have been hugely successful since opening their doors.”
Other brands welcomed to King Street in 2021 include Pretty Green’s flagship store, George Thornton Art, King Street Grooming, and Yorkshire Building Society with further lease renewals from Castle Fine Art, Whitewall Galleries, Catalan, Bravissimo, Charles Tyrwhitt, Noho & White Stuff.
DTZ Investors has also delivered a number of events during the year, including the return of King Street Festival and the Christmas Markets, which are currently occupying the street and attracting visitors from across the region, with a packed events schedule lined up in 2022
King Street is already home to an array of luxury, recognised brands, including The White Company, Vivienne Westwood, TAST, El Gato Negro and Boodles.
Several lettings are currently in the pipeline and are due to complete in the next few months.
LTL and Orme are joint leasing agents for the King Street Estate.
