The North Face is opening a new store inside Manchester Arndale, it has been revealed today.
The Manchester city centre shopping centre has announced that the outdoor retailer, known and loved as a classic winter staple, will move into a 3,630 sq ft unit inside the main thoroughfare of New Cannon Street, close to Next.
The outdoor clothing retailer has just signed a 10-year lease on the site, meaning that fans of The North Face brand will now have a dedicated go-to spot to pick up those famous goose down jackets.
The North Face specialises in producing outdoor clothing and footwear, as well as skiing, climbing and other outdoor pursuits equipment for the adventurous.
Already established and well-known here in the UK, this will be the second time that The North Face has opened a store in Manchester city centre. Previously, it had a storefront at the intersection of Deansgate and John Dalton Street.
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The brand is currently seeking to grow its presence in the North West, building on its existing outlets in Liverpool and Trafford.
Credit: The North Face
The North Face has become the latest in a series of international fashion brands that have recently opened new stores at Manchester Arndale.
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These include Moss, Gilly Hicks, Hollister, Kurt Geiger, Carvela and Tommy Jeans, as the shopping centre continues to grow Manchester’s fashion offerings.
The letting also continues an impressive run of new lettings at Manchester Arndale which has seen Nike, Manchester City, Blue Banana, Be More Geek, Oseyo, Black Sheep Coffee and Sunglass Hut sign at the centre since the start of the year, taking retail occupancy to around 95%.
Steve Gray, Head of European Retail Asset Management at Global Mutual, said: “We are delighted that The North Face has become the latest big-name brand to sign a long-term letting at Manchester Arndale.
“Our leasing activity since the pandemic has seen us welcome a truly diverse mix of international and local businesses, as well as a wide variety of retail, leisure, and F&B brands, to ensure there is something for everyone visiting Manchester Arndale.
“Through this approach, footfall has continued to strengthen and demand for well-placed units has remained, so high that we are approaching 100% occupancy, allowing us to avoid the struggles faced by other retail centres, and cement our position as the North West’s leading retail destination.”
‘Unsettled week’ of wind, rain, and snow could greet Mancs into the new year
Thomas Melia
A mix of weather conditions could be expected to hit the north across the new year weekend – including wind, rain, and snow.
As Greater Manchester prepares to enter 2025, it looks like we’ll be bringing our usual moody weather along with us too, as starting today and running right through until the end of this week, Mancs can expect some not-so-pleasant conditions to accompany this party season.
The Met Office has described this period as ‘an unsettled week’.
While forecasters are encouraging people to keep checking for further weather updates where possible, thankfully, this turbulent spell of weather is only predicted to stick around until Thursday (2 January) – with no warnings issued for this Friday (3 January) or the weekend so far.
As we move from 2024 to 2025 the week ahead will involve plenty of rain, wind and some snow
If you have any plans over the New Year/Hogmanay period then check out all the important weather details below ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/qllOnV0cDX
In a video shared to the Met Office’s X account, the visual shows that the most severe cases of wet and windy conditions look like on New Year’s Day itself (Wednesday 1 January), where there is even some snow forecasted for certain areas.
“Almost the entire UK is covered by at least one weather warning during the coming week,” warned Andy Page, who is the Chief Forecaster at the Met Office.
He continued: “With lots of celebrations and people on the move over the coming days, we are urging everyone to keep checking the forecast so they can update their plans.”
Picturesque Greater Manchester railway granted £1.3m to restore historic viaduct
Emily Sergeant
One of Greater Manchester’s most picturesque railways has been given substantial funding to restore a historic viaduct along the line.
As part of the Government‘s wider Plan for Change, the Bury-based heritage railway, East Lancashire Railway (ELR), has been awarded more than £1.3 million in grants to carry out urgent repair work to the Higher Woodhill Viaduct – which is on the edge of Burrs Country Park, in the heart of the stunning Irwell Valley.
Repairs to the historic viaduct, which goes past the site of the former Higher Woodhill Mill, were last carried out all the way back in 1932.
But now, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has granted the funding for restoration through its ‘Community Ownership Fund’, alongside three local authorities from Bury, Rochdale, and the nearby Rossendale in Lancashire, all putting in a further £276,000 in match funding.
We’re supporting local treasures across the UK with vital funding
— Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Gov (@mhclg) December 23, 2024
Important supporters of the railway, such as members of the public and local businesses, have also added a few thousand pounds more to the project.
While inspections to the structure and safety of the viaduct are carried out on a regular basis, ELR assures, it was flagged earlier in 2024 that long-term repairs would be required to allow for the “continued level of use” of steam and heritage diesel trains along the line.
Speaking on the funding being granted, Mike Kelly, who is the Chairman of East Lancashire Railway, commented: “This is a major investment for the future and a massive vote of confidence for our dedicated volunteers and staff to help secure the railway’s infrastructure for years to come.
“Now with this fantastic news, we are able to continue running our award-winning events and services without disruption for future generations to enjoy, thanks to the generosity and support of the East Lancashire Railway Trust, our local community partners and supporters, as well as local and national politicians.”
Essential maintenance works are due to start next year in the spring.
Georgina Pellant -
5th September 2023 
