Bruntwood announces a trio of brands for University Green

Bruntwood and The University of Manchester have today announced that Loungers, the Co-op and Five Guys will be joining the line-up at the recently launched University Green, which forms part of the University’s £1 billion Campus Masterplan and redevelopment.

Informal restaurant and bar chain, Loungers, will occupy a 3,175 sq ft unit. Designed by their in-house team, the interior will include Loungers’ inviting and eccentric use of reclaimed antique furniture and fittings. The neighbourhood style café and bar will be open day and night all week round, providing a space where family and friends can get a morning coffee, meal or evening drinks, all within a relaxed environment. There will be space for 120 covers.

Continuing their UK expansion, authentic American burger brand, Five Guys, will open a 3,175 sq ft ground floor restaurant, its first in the Corridor Manchester innovation district. Designed by Blacksheep, the restaurant will reflect the brand’s iconic red and white branding, offering a traditional American diner experience. The restaurant will provide Five Guys’ popular menu of burgers, hot dogs, fries and shakes, with space for over 88 covers.

In addition, Co-op Food will take a 4,656 sq ft unit, featuring the new company branding being rolled out across the UK. The new store will have an in-store bakery, locally sourced products and a focus on fresh, healthy foods, meal ideas and essentials. Students who hold an NUS extra card can also enjoy a 10% discount off their groceries at the store.

All sites are due to open in summer 2018, shortly after completion of the scheme.

Commenting on the new signings, James Tootle, Retail Surveyor at Bruntwood, said: “We are so pleased to secure such well-known, popular brands at University Green. These new additions reflect our desire to provide an exciting retail and leisure line-up, and we have no doubt they will be well received by the diverse population we have on Oxford Road.”

Diana Hampson, Director of Estates and Facilities at The University of Manchester, added: “This string of recent signings show the strength and belief in the future success of the development. University Green will certainly enhance the dining offer for the University and surrounding area, and provide sociable spaces and greater choice for students, staff and local residents.”

University Green is sited in a key growth area within Corridor Manchester due to its proximity to major institutions, research facilities and technological and cultural assets including Manchester Science Partnerships and the University’s Alliance Manchester Business School on Oxford Road. When complete next year the scheme will provide 40,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space across 12 units each with double-height glazed frontages.

This news follows the first wave of signings including a new location for long-standing local bookshop, Blackwell’s, and the award-winning artisan coffee house, Takk. A total of six units are now exchanged, over half of the scheme, with another under offer and interest being expressed for the remaining five.

Metis Real Estate Advisors represented Bruntwood. Insight Retail and Bradys acted for Loungers and Co-op respectively. Five Guys represented themselves.