Major redevelopment plans for the building which houses the Manchester city centre branch of Debenhams will go ahead.
The Rylands building will be transformed, despite previous concerns about an “ugly” rooftop extension.
The plans for the £68.5 million redevelopment – which were first revealed back in August of last year, before it went to full public consultation – by owners AM Alpha will see the iconic building provide a new shopping arcade at street level, along with several floors of new offices.
It would also involve the Grade II listed landmark on Market Street getting a much-needed makeover aimed at restoring its Art Deco glory.
Redevelopment plans come after department store chain Debenhams – which has occupied the Rylands building since 1973 – announced it is closing its flagship premises after battling ongoing financial troubles that were heightened amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, before eventually going into administration last year and putting 12,000 jobs at risk across the UK.
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There are no plans for another department store to take its place either, and instead, new shopping, dining and leisure outlets will open in the ground floor and basement.
AM Alpha had also considered converting the building into apartments, a cinema or a gallery, but it has been confirmed that office space was seen as the most sustainable long-term use of the building, with up to 258,000 sq ft of new offices set to occupy most of the vacant upper floors, as well as a 40,000 sq ft four-storey rooftop extension.
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An atrium providing natural light between the second and seventh floors is also planned, along with a winter garden on the sixth floor.
AM AlphaAM Alpha
The redevelopment plans have been met with some criticism though.
Piccadilly councillor Sam Wheeler told Manchester’s planning committee that the extension would have a detrimental effect on 15 families living in neighbouring buildings, saying on Thursday that: “I think we can all admit that the box on top of the Grade II listed building is incredibly ugly.
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“It has been a policy of the council for some 30 years or so now to promote city centre living, not just city centre existing.
“Each time there is a loss of habitability caused by loss of light in several apartments, that does lower the livability of the city centre.”
The planning committee meeting also heard that a loss of light would have a negative impact on the mental and physical wellbeing of those who would be affected by the rooftop extension, with committee member Councillor Jon-Connor Lyons – also a Piccadilly ward member – adding that the extension would “box in” hundreds of residents living between Market Street and Church Street.
But Katie Wray – Assistant Director at Deloitte, acting on behalf of AM Alpha – said the proposals would “restore and rejuvenate” the Rylands building, and secure its long-term future.
The vote to approve the application was passed by eight councillors, with two voting against and one abstaining.
You can find more information via the Future Rylands website here.
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GMP officer sentenced after hitting pedestrian during police chase in Rochdale
Emily Sergeant
A police officer has been sentenced this week after he struck and ‘seriously injured’ a pedestrian following a pursuit of a suspected drink driver in Rochdale.
35-year-old Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer PC Sam Lockley pleaded guilty back in January 2026 following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.
The IOPC investigation established that, in the early hours of the morning on 19 November 2023, PC Lockley was driving a marked police vehicle with the lights and sirens activated, and attempted to stop a suspected drunk driver on Drake Street in Rochdale.
A short pursuit that commenced but stopped merely a minute later after the police vehicle collided with a pedestrian on the footpath of Rochdale Road at approximately 3:30am.
The evidence gathered indicated that PC Lockley failed to slow down as he approached and drove through the red traffic lights at the Kingsway junction, and was travelling at a speed of 96mph in a 30mph zone.
The pedestrian suffered ‘serious injuries’ as a result of the collision, and received extensive medical treatment following.
At a hearing back in February of this year, PC Lockley received a two-year suspended sentence and was ordered to carry out 15 days community service, while also receiving two-year driving disqualification.
Also following the investigation, the IOPC decided that Lockley should face a gross misconduct hearing to face allegations that his manner of driving breached the police standards of professional behaviour.
“We continue to liaise with the force about disciplinary proceedings,” the IOPC concluded.
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe added: “My sympathies remain with the man, who sustained serious injuries, and all those affected by the incident.
“This was a complex investigation which relied on extensive amounts of data and expert analysis and the evidence showed PC Lockley drove at excessive speeds at night-time and although he was responding to a report of a suspected drink driver, it does not excuse his manner of driving.
“PC Lockley admitted he drove in a dangerous manner when he didn’t address hazards or warnings during the pursuit and ultimately by the time he saw the pedestrian, he was travelling too fast to avoid a collision.
“His actions that day have had long-lasting consequences and he has now been held accountable.”
Featured Image – Rawpixel
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Manchester Town Hall is FINALLY taking wedding and events bookings for the first time since 2018
Emily Sergeant
A new era is on the horizon, as Manchester Town Hall has announced that it’ll be finally taking bookings for weddings and events once again.
That’s right… for the first time since it closed its doors to the public for what is the UK’s biggest restoration project to date back in 2018, one of Manchester’s most iconic landmarks is soon set to welcome its first weddings and events in a decade – with bookings for the city’s most romantic address now open once again.
Manchester Town Hall has stood at the centre of civic life in the city since 1877, and for generations, couples have exchanged their vows within its walls.
Now, as it enters the home stretch of its restoration, the Grade I-listed building is gearing up to kickstart weddings and corporate events from January 2028.
Set reopen to the public next year, first up will be a series of celebratory reopening events – which are yet to be announced – before a phased approach will then allow the building and teams to be fully prepared to host commercial events again from 2028.
Manchester Town Hall has announced that it’s finally taking wedding and events bookings for the first time since 2018 / Credit: Supplied
From its grand architecture and soaring stained glass windows, to sweeping staircases that offer the perfect ‘just married’ photo opportunities, this one-of-a-kind venue gives couples the opportunity to combine the romance and grandeur of a historic setting with the energy of a city centre celebration.
Inside the restored building, you’ll find The Great Hall, which is a magnificent setting with striking architectural character, as well as The Conference Hall, The Banqueting Hall, and The Reception Room, all of which offer equally characterful spaces that are perfect for private dinners, ceremonies, or corporate events.
The Lord Mayor’s Parlour is one of many settings overlooking the newly reopened Albert Square, while various elegant reception areas provide the perfect location for drinks and arrival moments.
“Our Town Hall is a real Victorian masterpiece and we’re looking forward to sharing it with the public once again,” explained Cllr Garry Bridges, who is Leader of Manchester City Council, as bookings finally open up this week.
“It’s a special building which belongs to the people and it’s great that they will be able to celebrate important landmarks in their lives, such as marriage, in its spectacular setting.
“The Town Hall is full of history. Here’s to many more stories being written within its walls.”
Want to be one of the first people who gets married or hosts an event at Manchester Town Hall once it reopens in 2028? You can enquire about booking here.
The Manc -
22nd January 2021 
