International real estate investor, Hines, has appointed Colliers International as joint agents alongside Metis Real Estate to the landmark Royal Exchange building in central Manchester as it continues to evolve the occupier mix and attract more premium brands to the centre.
The Grade II-listed Royal Exchange – home to the renowned Royal Exchange Theatre – provides a total of 100,000 sq ft of retail space. Following a comprehensive £15m refurbishment, it has already attracted leading brands including French Connection, Watches of Switzerland and premium menswear store, Lanigan & Hulme which have joined existing occupiers such as Hotel Chocolat, Molton Brown and Lush.
Colliers is tasked with identifying new brands for available space across Royal Exchange Arcade, Market Street, Cross Street, Old Bank Street, St Ann’s Street and Exchange Street.
Sharon Bloodworth, Director of Shopping Centre Asset Management for Hines UK, said: “We are delighted to bring Colliers on board at Royal Exchange to compliment the work being undertaken by Metis Real Estate. Their strong presence in central London and across some of London’s best retail assets will help us access international and national brands, a key target for us, as we continue to diversify the tenant mix and deliver a truly iconic retail environment within the city.”
Colliers Retail Agency Director, Lloyd Entwistle, comments: “We are targeting best-in-class independents and luxury retailers for the opportunity to trade in this unique environment behind a striking listed façade.
“The flexibility of unit sizes at the Royal Exchange enables us to consider a wide range of retailers and positions the Royal Exchange as the home of exclusive new brands in an iconic setting in the heart of Manchester.”
