‘Covent Garden of North’ gathers pace

Manchester City Council are considering plans from developers Aviva Investors to change the Triangle in Exchange Square into a ‘modern exciting shopping experience’ pitched as a ‘Covent Garden of North’.The plans include returning

the building’s name to the Corn Exchange and restore its historic Grade II listed Edwardian façade and architecture by removing metal structures, repairing damaged stone and removing outdated lighting from the outsider of the building.

The scheme will form part of a wider regeneration project, which will see the north side of the city further transformed by improved transport links, in an aim to encourage more people to visit Manchester.

The report asked 28 local businesses and institutions close to the Triangle to comment, three responded, with Manchester Cathedral and Chetham's School of Music welcoming the proposals, whereas Resolution Property, the freeholders of the Printworks cinema and restaurant complex, opposing them arguing that there were already several underperforming food and leisure facilities in the city, including Deansgate Locks and Greater Northern Warehouse.

The initial proposals were met with approval and dismissed Resolution’s concerns, stating that the new Corn Exchange would offer a ‘different type and mix’ of facilities and be aimed at a ‘different demographic’ to the Printworks.

“The site will be a modern, exciting shopping experience that will become known as the Covent Garden of the North, attracting visitors from far and wide,” said Manchester City Council Councillor Pat Karney.

Philip Nell of Aviva, which owns the site, added: “Restoring the building’s heritage and introducing new signage and lighting are just the first steps in making the building attractive to retailers and restaurant operators alike, as well as the Manchester public and visitors.

“Our plans for the Manchester Corn Exchange will help bring new vitality to the area and will put this historic building at the heart of the vibrant northern sector of the city centre.”