Two new shops are set to open in the footprint of the old Topshop store in the Manchester Arndale shopping centre.
The huge space has been standing empty since the Arcadia group went into liquidation in 2020, leaving a prominent gap in the Arndale’s concourse.
But now two retailers have snapped it up, with Gilly Hicks and Clarks moving into two newly-created units.
The new Gilly Hicks store – Manchester’s first – will sell a range of activewear, loungewear and intimates, including menswear and a new gender-neutral collection.
Its sister company Hollister is moving into the former Disney Store unit, where it will continue to sell clothing, fragrance and accessories.
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Manchester Arndale. Credit: Wikimedia CommonsManchester Arndale. Credit: Supplied
Clarks, famed for its quality shoes, boots and trainers, are taking on a 3,551 sq ft unit on a 10-year lease.
Pizza Hut have also committed to opening a new express takeaway outlet in the Arndale food court.
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Other new signing at Manchester Arndale include Pure Fashion, who recently committed to a 3,709 sq ft store on a five-year lease, Debenhams.com, Tommy Hilfiger, Pandora, Canada Goose, Kick Game, Carvela and Kurt Geiger.
The city centre shopping hub is now at 95% occupancy.
Colin Flinn, spokesperson for Manchester Arndale, said: “We are delighted that Clarks, Gilly Hicks, iFix and Pizza Hut have decided to join the line up at Manchester Arndale.
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“Rather than try and re-let the whole of the former Topshop space, we made the decision to split the space, and create three new high-quality units in a prime location.
“This decision has proved correct as we have now secured two well-known tenants, with the last unit currently under offer, which shows that retailer demand for quality, well placed units remains high.
“We are equally pleased that Hollister and Swarovski have recommitted to Manchester Arndale, demonstrating confidence in the centre as we continue to attract and retain popular international brands and retailers.”
Nicolas Burquier, managing director, Pizza Hut Europe & Canada, says: “We’re excited to open a new Pizza Hut Express at the Food Court inside Manchester Arndale.
“As we continue growing Pizza Hut in the UK, we’re always looking for accessible ways to reach our customers and deliver our much-loved signature flavours in a way that works for them – and our Express arm allows us to do just that.
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“Our customers will now be able to enjoy their favourite pizza either to takeaway or enjoy in the food court communal seating area.
“It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a bite to eat while shopping. We’re looking forward to welcoming our pizza fans in November, and for anyone looking for a job, keep an eye on our website.”
Fairfield Social Club has been voted the Best Comedy Venue in the North
Danny Jones
Let’s toast another feather in Greater Manchester’s cultural cap as local arts venue, bar and hangout, Fairfield Social Club (FSC), has been named the Best Comedy Venue in the North.
That’s according to the much-revered annual Chortle Awards, the 2026 edition of which has named Fairfield not just one of the best in our specific city or region, but currently the benchmark for any live comedy spot located in the top half of the country.
And that’s not all: they actually took home another award this year, because why just win one when you can take home two?
For starters, congratulations are in order, and we couldn’t be prouder of our grassroots Manc venues continuing to set the bar; now let’s get into exactly what they won and why…
In addition to taking home the accolade for leading their field when it comes to hosting live comics and more, having quickly built up a strong reputation in the industry beyond just the North West, FSC also claimed a second gong, thanks to ‘CroppaChoppa’s Slumber Party‘.
The resident stand-up and sleepover games format show, which has been based over at the Green Quarter complex for some time now, just won Best New Comedy Format for the second year running.
Reacting to the consecutive awards, founder Charlotte Cropper said: “We are so thrilled to have won Best Comedy Format two years in a row! Lying our sleepover bag down at Fairfield Social Club is our favourite thing to do every month.
“Who knew a sleepover show with a misogynistic teddy bear mascot would become the best night of our lives?”
This, of course, is just one of many regular comedy-centric events happening throughout the FSC calendar – and you really should going along if you haven’t before.
Speaking on an incredible year all-round, Fairfield Social Club’s GM and live bookings manager, Jessie Perillo, added: “We’ve spent the last year building a comedy programme we’re really proud of; it’s one that supports emerging talent while also attracting some of the biggest names touring right now.
“To have both the venue and the shows recognised nationally is a dream and as a comedy lover myself, I couldn’t be happier!
“We’ve got some incredible new shows lined up over the next few months that we can’t wait to announce, and launching ‘A Lovely Weekend’ is just the beginning of what’s to come.”
Congrats again and well done to all those involved in helping keep Manchester-based humour and live arts on the comedy map; we can’t wait to see what else in store for 2026. Speaking of…
Featured Images — Press shots/Em Humble (supplied via Fairfield Social Club)
Manchester
Manchester Day set to bring sunny Catalan celebrations to the city centre this summer
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Day is making a grand return for 2026 this summer, and you can expect a day filled with loads of Catalan-themed fun.
Oh, and it’s free fun at that… doesn’t get much better.
The date and theme for Manchester‘s biggest day of the year has now been confirmed – with the city going all in to make this summer’s event one of the very-best yet.
Switching for the first time to a Sunday this year instead of its usual Saturday, Manchester City Council is promising a ‘distinctly Catalan flavour’ to this year’s Manchester Day, as performers from Barcelona head to Manchester to join in the festivities in what is a first for the event.
This year’s Catalan theme has been chosen following Manchester’s guest city role during Barcelona’s iconic La Mercè festival in September last year, where our local artists were invited to take part.
Manchester Day is set to bring sunny Catalan celebrations to the city centre this summer / Credit: Manchester City Council
As always, outdoor arts organisation Walk the Plank will be working with groups across the city in the run-up to Manchester Day this year to create what is set to be the main event of the day – a spectacular parade filled with music, dance, colour, community, and, of course, Catalan vibes.
The parade will also have a bit of a ‘bookish’ theme to it this year too, taking inspiration from the current year-long national celebration of books and reading.
With music, dance, and a whole host of performances and walkabout shows from some of the UK and Spain’s leading outdoor arts companies, Manchester Day 2026 will see the city’s streets and squares filled with Catalan spirit, along with some surprising links to books and reading along the way.
The date and theme for Manchester’s biggest day of the year has now been confirmed / Credit: Manchester City Council
“We could literally write a book on how fantastic our brilliant city is and how utterly awesome and amazing Mancunians are, and we invite everyone to join us in July as we celebrate Manchester’s favourite day of the year,” commented Councillor Pat Karney, who is the Chair of Manchester Day, as the theme was announced this week.
“Everyone knows we never do things by halves in Manchester, and with our friends from Barcelona also joining us for this year’s festivities, it’s going to be Manchester Barcelona Day all the way.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone down as we go all in to make sure 2026 is THE best Manchester Day ever.”
Manchester Day is taking over the city centre on Sunday 26 July, and more details on timings and activities during the day will be announced in the coming weeks.
Daisy Jackson -
20th October 2022 
