Business

Latest plans could see the iconic Botany Bay turned into an ‘industrial and commercial’ space

The Manc The Manc - 20th April 2021

Plans to redevelop Lancashire’s iconic Botany Bay and turn it into an “industrial and commercial space” have been resubmitted.

Developer and asset management company FI Real Estate Management (FIREM) has this week revealed that it plans to push forward with former proposals to transform the former shopping mill just off the M61 near Chorley.

It comes after the outlet village scheme was first scrapped at the end of 2020.

Back in January 2019, FIREM unveiled the plans for a new development on the historic site set to redefine the borough involving a 37 hectare mixed-use scheme providing 300,000 sq ft of employment land, 288 luxury new homes, and a brand new 300,000 sq ft fashion and lifestyle outlet village – but in November 2020, FIREM said these plans had been axed “due to the continued decline in the retail sector”.

This was something it says has been “further compounded by the pandemic”.

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Now, following a virtual public consultation event in November, the developer has decided to resubmit the proposal for the 21-acre site, which is said to remain “largely unchanged”.

The plans for the scheme – which has been designed by MCAU and planning consultants, John Francis Planning – propose 405,386 sq ft of industrial and commercial space, which will deliver a total of 33 individual units for employment and commercial uses.

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FI Real Estate Management (FIREM)
FI Real Estate Management (FIREM)

Within the plans, it’s said that 36,996 sqm of commercial floorspace will be designated for “light industrial uses”.

The wider space has then been allocated for landscaping, pedestrian routes, and onsite parking.

On top of all that, FIREM has also said that the regeneration plans for Botany Bay Business Park have the potential to bring hundreds of jobs to the local and surrounding areas.

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Speaking on the resubmitting of the plans this week, a spokesperson for FIREM said: “We’re confident that our proposals for the redevelopment of Botany Bay are not only consistent with the site’s heritage but will also deliver a host of new job and commercial opportunities in Chorley.

“This sector in the North West has seen continued growth for a sustained period, even throughout the pandemic.

“We’ve already witnessed a growing interest in the business space offered by these units since our last announcement, having received a number of inbound enquiries from a variety of businesses”.

Featured Image – Geograph / Ian S

Business

First look – Manchester-founded fashion brand Represent opens flagship store in city centre

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Manchester-founded fashion brand Represent opens flagship store in city centre

Represent will open the doors to its first-ever UK store this weekend – and of course, the proudly Manc business picked Manchester for its flagship location.

The luxury menswear brand, which is on track for a £100m turnover by the end of this year, is opening a beautiful 5,419sq ft store on New Cathedral Street.

Set to throw open the doors on Saturday 26 October, the stylish space has been decorated with neutral textured walls and parquet floor tiles, with the shape of a giant ‘R’ carved into the staircase.

In this exquisitely designed space, shoppers will be able to browse the range in person, with a second store to follow in London next year.

An entire floor of the new Manchester shop will be dedicated to the Represent performance wear range, 247.

Founded back in 2011 by Bolton-born brothers, George and Mike Heaton, Represent has gone from strength to strength, and has become, far and away, one of the UK’s best-loved luxury fashion labels – proving itself to be a proper local success story for the Greater Manchester region.

Inside the flagship Represent store in Manchester. Credit: Supplied
Inside the flagship Represent store in Manchester. Credit: Supplied
Inside the flagship Represent store in Manchester. Credit: Supplied

It has collaborated with numerous big-name celebrities since its launch, including Justin Bieber, the Kardashians, and even Manchester’s very-own Liam Gallagher.

Inspired by retro Mancunian designs, Represent’s popular ranges of t-shirts, hoodies, and trainers are regularly showcased at top fashion destinations worldwide.

Represent has been stocked in major department stores like Selfridges, Harrods and END, but this will be their biggest step away from their hugely successful online business model to date.

It will join neighbours such as Louis Vuitton, Selfridges, Paul Smith, Canada Goose, and Harvey Nichols in the heart of Manchester’s shopping district.

Represent Manchester opens this weekend. Credit: Supplied
Represent Manchester opens this weekend. Credit: Supplied
Represent Manchester opens this weekend. Credit: Supplied
Represent Manchester opens this weekend. Credit: Supplied

George Heaton, Creative Director and Founder of Represent: “As we continue to grow as a brand, opening our first physical UK store was a natural progression.

“Given that Represent was born in Manchester, and it’s where our global HQ is based, the city was the only choice – it is in our DNA.

“The Represent Manchester location marks an important and iconic milestone for the brand; having spent the past three years planning physical retail footprints, trialling the senses of energy, look, feel, and scent through our partners such as Selfridges and Harrods along the process.”

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Featured Image – Supplied

Business

Popular city centre coffee house Michaels to open new Manchester Arndale cafe

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Manchester Arndale is set to welcome another new resident very soon.

Michaels Coffee House is already one of the best-loved places to get your caffeine fix and a bite to eat in the city centre, but now it’s been announced this week that it’ll become the next independent Manchester business to move into Manchester Arndale after signing a 10-year lease to occupy a space on Halle Place.

The beloved business was founded by Thanasis Michael back in 2017, and has been serving up high-quality and ethically-sourced coffee in Manchester’s Royal Exchange ever since.

As well as offering an extensive range of hot and cold coffee drinks, you can also get smoothies, milkshakes, and juices, as well as curb your hunger cravings with toasties, breakfast buns, soups, pancakes, and so much more.

Popular city centre coffee house Michaels is opening a new Manchester Arndale cafe / Credit: Michaels Coffee House (via Instagram)

You can also satisfy your sweet tooth with a collection of different pastries, cakes, and cookies.

Everything you know and love about Michaels, including all of the limited-edition seasonal specials launched each year, will be moving to the city’s biggest shopping centre very soon.

Speaking on the announcement of Michaels’ move to the Arndale, Scott Linard, who is the Portfolio Manager for M&G Real Estate – one of the joint asset management companies for Manchester Arndale – said: “It’s great to welcome another growing Manchester-based business to the centre as we continue our commitment of supporting local independent brands who are seeking to grow their presence in the city.”

Steve Gray, who is the Head of European Retail Asset Management at Global Mutual, called Michaels an “exciting independent cafe” providing shoppers with a great choice of food and drink options.

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No formal opening date for Michaels Coffee House in Manchester Arndale has been confirmed at this point, so keep your eyes peeled for announcements.

Featured Image – Supplied

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