The owners of a shopping centre in Greater Manchester is seeking to “revitalise” and “diversify” the centre’s offering in response to changing consumer habits.
Manchester City Council has invited the public to respond to a consultation asking for the opinion on a 2020 draft development framework for Manchester Fort Shopping Park, in Cheetham Hill, which it said will guide its future development.
The shopping centre, which opened in 2005, is the largest open A1 shopping park in Greater Manchester, comprising 36 retail units.
Nuveen, which owns the centre, said it’s looking to “revitalise and diversify the offering to ensure the shopping park’s longevity as a valuable resource for the communities of north Manchester”.
The draft framework includes plans to create a “more diverse” experience, and could include more flexible retail space, expanded food and drink options, a new cinema and a hotel, it said.
It also plans to make the park more attractive to pedestrians, with proposals to improve the public space around it.
Cllr Suzanne Richards, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and regeneration, said: “We know how important Manchester Fort is to the communities of north Manchester, providing an attractive one-stop shopping hub for local people.
“However, fifteen years is a long time in retail, and we welcome the ambition of the owners of the Fort to ensure it remains an important resource into the future.
“I’d urge as many people who live locally or use the Shopping Park often to take part in this consultation. Your opinions are vital to understand what local people are looking for in future development at the site.”
The site’s redevelopment will provide additional employment opportunities, the council said, with an estimated 260 gross, full-time equivalent jobs supported by the development.
