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.”
Full list of Manchester restaurants set to add an extra £1 to bills to tackle homelessness this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
A handful of local restaurants will be adding an extra £1 onto every bill over the festive season to help fight street homelessness.
As November arrives, the temperatures begin to start dropping, and the nights set in a little earlier, people in Greater Manchester are once again able to give back while they dine at some of the best restaurants the region has to offer in the run up to Christmas, as the successful StreetSmart fundraising initiative is back for another year.
This year, 15 fantastic restaurants have come together to support local homeless charities as the campaign launches today (1 November).
Manchester independents such as Proloco, Erst, Ezra & Gill, Stretford Canteen, and Blue Eyed Panda are among those taking part in the campaign this year, alongside several city centre chain restaurants such as Lina Stores, Tampopo, Banyan, Manahatta, and San Carlo.
Now in its 29th year, StreetSmart works by each participating restaurant adding an extra £1 to every bill they deliver throughout November and December, with all of the money raised going directly to local homeless organisations, thanks to StreetSmart’s official sponsorship from LandAid.
Manchester restaurants are adding an extra £1 to bills to help fight homelessness this Christmas / Credit: Supplied | Rifqi Ali Ridho (via Unsplash)
Since launching in 1998, the campaign has raised over £16.2 million to support charities across the UK, providing practical help, from meals and emergency accommodation to healthcare, training, housing advice and routes towards finding a permanent home.
The StreetSmart team says it’s determined to deliver another record-breaking year in 2026, and provide much-needed support to the services that help some of the most vulnerable people in the city.
Manchester restaurants taking part in StreetSmart 2026
Proloco
Hache MCR
Bar Posie
SAMPA
Blue Eyed Panda
Ezra & Gill
Erst
Little Seeds
Lina Stores
Stretford Canteen
Hawksmoor
Manahatta
San Carlo Bottega
Tampopo
Banyan Bar & Kitchen
“The festive period can be an incredibly tough time for the vulnerable people in our community,” explained Glenn Pougnet, who is the Director of StreetSmart.
“StreetSmart provides a simple way for people to help some of our city’s most in need. Giving back whilst dining out at Christmas is what StreetSmart is all about, and we’re thrilled to have so many restaurants already taking part.
“Every £1 added to a bill adds up and makes a huge difference.”
Featured Image – John Carey (Supplied)
Manchester
Pop icons S Club announce new arena tour, with huge Manchester gig
Daisy Jackson
S Club will be heading back to Manchester on a newly-announced 13-date arena tour next year.
The pop icons have announced the Ain’t No Party Like A S Club Party tour, which will see Bradley, Jo, Jon, Rachel and Tina back on stage for the ultimate pop party.
The huge tour includes a night at the AO Arena in Manchester, as well as two gigs at the O2 in London.
S Club are one of Britain’s most successful pop groups, formerly known as S Club 7, who went on to become a cultural phenomenon with their own TV series – one of which, L.A. 7, remains the highest-rated programme of all time on CBBC.
Their smash hits include Reach, Don’t Stop Movin, Bring It All Back, Never Had A Dream Come True, and S Club Party.
In 2023, S Club celebrated their 25th anniversary with a sellout UK and US tour, shortly after the tragic death of former member Paul Cattermole.
Now, five of the original seven are ready to bring the party back to Manchester, as S Club return to the stage.
They’ll have very special guests supporting on the tour too, announcing Boyzlife, the supergroup made up of the former Boyzone and Westlife members Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden.
S Club say: “We can’t wait to get back out on tour, see you all and celebrate the songs, memories and moments we’ve shared together over the years.
“It’s going to be one BIG party, and we want you all to be part of it!”
S Club will play the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday 9 October 2027.
Tickets for all shows go on sale at 9.30am on Friday 6 November HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
20th October 2022 
