Schroder Real Estate has agreed a deal to bring global bubble tea brand Gong Cha to City Tower in Manchester, the global company’s first store in the UK.
Founded in 2006 in Taiwan, Gong Cha is one of the most recognised bubble tea brands around the world, operating in over 15 countries and 1500 locations worldwide. The company opened its first store in the UK this month, agreeing a deal to occupy a 1,516 sq ft unit at City Tower, which faces Mosley Street.
This deal comes as Parker Street continues to evolve. Retail giant Lidl is currently on site with the fit-out of their first ‘basket store’ in the north after choosing to locate to City Tower earlier this year.
Schroders has also agreed a deal which has seen the relocation of Nobles Amusements away from the tower allowing the larger unit on Parker Street to be split providing opportunities from 1,200- 5,000sq.ft.
Rob Cosslett, Investment Manager at Schroders said:
“The retail mix at City Tower is a major part of our continued investment into the asset. We are aiming to create a complementary line-up that will flourish and provide greater amenity for our existing and future tenants at City Tower.
“We are really pleased to welcome Gong Cha. It is testament to Manchester and to the location of City Tower that the company has chosen to launch its first UK operation here.
“We have a wider strategy for the retail offering at City Tower that we look forward to continue implementing. We have attracted some exciting brands and have two organisations choosing City Tower as their first UK base which is brilliant.”
Russell McGill, Associate at Savills who advises Schroders said:
“The retail & leisure offering at City Tower continues to develop at pace. It is brilliant to see a brand such as Gong Cha establish their first UK operation at City Tower and create an alternative offer from the existing occupiers.
“The connectivity, accessibility and definite footfall at City Tower continues to flourish which is why the location is attractive to this diverse range of occupiers seeking expansion.”
