Manchester city centre has been ranked as the best retail and leisure destination in the UK for the third year running.
After taking the title for two years prior, and after the city showed resilience in the face of nationwide closures throughout several lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new study has now revealed that Manchester has clinched the top stop once again.
The city has retained the largest range of retail and leisure offerings in one shoppable location across the UK.
According to Colliers’ inaugural LocateVenues retail rankings report – which monitors the retail and leisure offering at commercial venues nationwide – Manchester has come out on top and taken the title over several other major UK cities.
Glasgow came in second overall, with Leeds centre in third place, Birmingham fourth, and fellow North West city Liverpool rounding out the top five.
ADVERTISEMENT
Colliers says its annual study looks at metrics including venue type, brand presence and strength, vacancy and refurbishment rates, floorspace availability, price positioning, and the mix of different retail and leisure categories.
Manchester city centre has been ranked as the best retail and leisure destination in the UK / Credit: Marco Verch (via Flickr)
The 9,000 venues and individual destinations that made up this year’s research range from major city centres, to local town and neighbourhood shopping streets, shopping malls and designer outlets, and retail and leisure parks.
Standalone grocery stores, service stations, retail in rail stations, hospitals, and business parks were also included in the study.
Speaking on the results of the research and commenting on Manchester’s victory for 2022, David Fox – co-head of Retail at Colliers – said: “The diversity of retail and leisure offering in Manchester is what has allowed the city to maintain its top ranking.
ADVERTISEMENT
“The findings of LocateVenue show that to thrive, destinations need to provide a genuine mix of brands and services, a large proportion of independents and an offering that is matched to the needs of the catchment area.
“Gone are the days when high streets or retail parks could rely on the provision of chains and anchor stores as real thought needs to be given to the occupier mix.
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
Emily Sergeant -
24th June 2022 
