House of Fraser to stay in Kendals for now as refurb plans wont' start for at least another year

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

House of Fraser is to stay in the iconic Kendals building as the owner says a huge refurb will not start for at least another year, the Manchester Evening News can reveal.

Investec, an international banking giant, put forward plans to turn the beloved Grade-II listed building on Deansgate into offices which were approved last summer.

The ambitious project includes building a central atrium, creating new entrances at the rear, replacing the distinctive glass blocks to allow more light in, and adding a roof extension.

The work is expected to take three years and will also see the demolition of the King Street West multi-storey car park and adjoining Fraser building to be replaced by a 14-storey office block and extended public realm.

In a press release issued last February, Investec said it expected work to start at the beginning of 2022.

But as of this month, all of the retailers effected by the scheme, including House of Fraser, remain open.

Andrew Webster, Development Manager for Investec, told the M.E.N the refurb plans are still going ahead but that House of Fraser will stay as a tenant for now on a rolling six-month lease.

"It would be pointless having an empty building, that wouldn't be good for Manchester," he said.

Asked when the refurb is now expected to start, Mr Webster said: "We're hoping in the next year or so, but it's a large scheme to put together.

"There are pressures on construction... we've got to work this through and we're doing that.

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