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Debenhams is back on Manchester’s high street six months after company’s collapse

The historic retailer has quietly reopened in the city centre, launching a UK-first Debenhams.com beauty store.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 6th December 2021

A familiar name has returned to the city centre high street this week as Debenhams reopens in Manchester. 

The huge department store was liquidated last year, and while Boohoo rescued the brand and website, none of its stores were saved – but the historic retailer has quietly reopened in the city centre, launching a UK-first Debenhams.com beauty store. 

Located in the Arndale shopping centre, the new shop spans 7522 sq ft over two floors. 

Boohoo says the space will “connect the online and physical retail worlds”, with interactive screens throughout, and Scott Linard – Portfolio Director at M&G – added: “It is great news for Manchester Arndale that the Boohoo Group has chosen the centre as its first location for a Debenhams.com beauty store in the UK and we welcome it to the city.

The historic retailer has quietly reopened in the city centre, launching a UK-first Debenhams.com beauty store / Credit: Supplied (Debenhams.com)
Located in the Arndale shopping centre, the new shop spans 7522 sq ft over two floors / Credit: Supplied (Debenhams.com)

“We have worked closely with Debenhams.com to realise this opportunity in just a matter of weeks and are extremely excited about how big a draw the new store is likely to be for our shoppers in the future.

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“It is also a great boost more generally for bricks and mortar retail and demonstrates that there will continue to be a balance between online and in-person shopping”.

Jeanette Whithear – Beauty and Homeware Director at Debenhams.com – said: “We are delighted to be opening Debenhams.com Beauty store, within Manchester Arndale, especially as this is the home of the Boohoo group.

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“It feels like an organic location for this exciting retail space, within the heart of the city.

“Since April, we have reintroduced multiple brands to Debenhams.com as well as new ones, that have really grown the offering for our customers.

“With the next step of Debenhams.com Beauty journey, I’m excited to see the cross over from our digital and physical elements come to life within the space as well as our range of brands increase dramatically into 2022.”

Featured Image – Supplied (Debenhams.com)

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Robert De Niro pops up in Manchester to break ground on £360m Nobu skyscraper

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson CGIs of Nobu Manchester

Hollywood a-lister Robert De Niro was in Manchester yesterday, to break ground on the new 246 metre tall Nobu skyscraper.

The movie star is a co-founder of Nobu Hospitality, which has revealed plans for a £360m tower in the heart of Manchester.

When it’s complete, the skyscraper will be the tallest outside of London, and will be home to a signature Nobu restaurant as well a 160-room hotel and 452 residences.

At the groundbreaking ceremony yesterday, Nobu Hospitality founders Robert De Niro, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Meir Teper joined Salboy’s co-founders Fred Done and Simon Ismail.

The new tower is set to complete in 2031, once again transforming Manchester’s skyline with its tallest skyscraper to date that will dwarf the likes of Deansgate Square and Beetham Tower.

As well as first-class dining from one of the world’s best-known restaurant names, it’ll be bringing hundreds of new Nobu branded residences to town.

Yesterday, it was announced that the Nobu restaurant will be situated on the ground floor, among the site’s original Grade II-listed Victorian viaduct arches.

Nobu Hospitality co-founders including Robert De Niro broke ground on Nobu Manchester this week
Nobu Hospitality co-founders including Robert De Niro broke ground on Nobu Manchester this week

It’s hoped that the space will have a strong sense of Manchester’s industrial history to go with the modern cuisine.

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa opened his first restaurant, Matsuhisa, in Los Angeles in 1987, later partnering with Robert De Niro and launching in New York in 1994.

Now, there are more than 50 restaurants worldwide.

As for the Nobu Residences, these will be 452 luxury home, some of which will be among the highest penthouses and apartments in Western Europe.

Residents in these Japanese-inspired homes will have access to premium amenities like an exclusive swimming pool, a podium garden, and a gym.

Salboy and Nobu Hospitality will be collaborating with award-winning designers, Bowley James Brindley.

Nobu Manchester will be the city's tallest skyscraper when it completes. Credit: Supplied
Nobu Manchester will be the city’s tallest skyscraper when it completes. Credit: Supplied

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Teper, Nobu Hospitality’s Shareholders, commented: “Breaking ground in Manchester is a defining moment for Nobu in the UK – our first venture beyond London, and the introduction of Nobu Residences to this market.

“This landmark project – encompassing a hotel, restaurant and residences – marks the debut of Nobu Residences in the United Kingdom. Manchester’s global outlook and dynamic spirit align perfectly with the Nobu brand.

“We’re proud to bring our signature hospitality, dining and design to the city, and excited to offer both guests and residents an authentic Nobu experience.”

Fred Done, co-founder of Salboy, said: “Ten years ago, Simon Ismail and I founded Salboy with a clear vision: to change Manchester’s skyline. I believe we are doing just that.

CGIs of the Nobu Manchester restaurant
CGIs of the Nobu Manchester restaurant

“I’ve been fortunate to experience exceptional cuisine and hospitality around the world, which is why we chose Nobu as our partner to help realise that vision. Best in class, best in creativity, the best of the best.

“This is our pièce de résistance— exactly what we wanted to bring to Manchester, the city of firsts. This is why it’s so fantastic to welcome Nobu to our wonderful city.”

Simon Ismail, co-founder and CEO of Salboy, added: “Chef Nobu’s 30-year influence on our culinary tastes can not be understated and I look forward with huge anticipation for the impact he and his team have on Manchester’s established and ambitious dining scene.

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“As a proud Salfordian too, I’m keen to see how Chef Nobu and his team blend local produce and influences from the Northwest’s culinary heritage into the dishes and flavours they are famous for.

“Beyond the signature restaurant, which will look magnificent under the Victorian arches, being part of Nobu’s journey to extend its leadership in the global luxury hospitality and property markets is an honour.

“Manchester deserves luxury accommodation to match its growing position on the international stage and the Nobu team has the imagination and track record to make that happen.”

Enabling works are now underway, with intentions to start construction next year.

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Featured image: Supplied

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Stop and search powers in place as police appeal following ‘life-threatening’ stabbing in Cheetham Hill

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Woodlands Road

A public appeal for information has been issued following a ‘life-threatening’ stabbing in Cheetham Hill yesterday afternoon.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers were called to reports of a stabbing on Woodlands Road, in the Cheetham Hill area of Manchester, at around 4:10pm yesterday afternoon (11 November), and emergency services rushed to the scene.

Once police arrived at the scene, they found a teenager with potentially life-threatening injuries, who was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment.

A police investigation is now underway, and the scene has been secured and cordoned off.

A Section 60 has been put in place until 10am this morning (12 November), which gives officers extra powers to ‘stop and search’ individuals in the area.

GMP has confirmed that extra officers will be in the area over the coming days to provide reassurance to the local communities.

With an investigation now in progress, police have issued an appeal to the public – with Sergeant Anthony Dickinson, from GMP’s North District, explaining: “A teenage boy has been stabbed in the leg and has been taken to hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries.  

“You will notice an increase of officers in the area as they continue to conduct enquiries and offer community reassurance.

“If you have any information or concerns with anything, please do speak with an officer”.

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Can you help? Anyone with any information about the incident is urged to contact police via 101 or the Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 2313 of 11/11/25. 

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Featured Image – Google Maps

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