Printworks Manchester gets the green light for a £22 million investment toward a transformational refurbishment of this iconic entertainment venue and other tenant initiatives. DTZ Investors has approved a transformational refurbishment as part of Printworks trajectory towards international recognition as a pioneering round-the-clock entertainment destination.
DTZ Investors has also secured a new 20-year commitment to continue its ongoing partnership with Vue, who operate 23 screens at Printworks, including Europe’s second largest IMAX. The cinema is set to undergo a multi-million-pound flagship refurbishment in tandem with the wider work.
The extensive work marks the first major investment since the scheme launched in 1999, and includes the installation of a 900m2 digital ceiling: Europe’s largest and a dynamic platform for immersive audio-visual performances. Gamification is at the forefront of Printworks vision, with the immersive ceiling being complemented by a large interactive screen for supporting customer engagement.
Printworks will remain fully open and trading throughout the refurbishment with the programme and implementation structured to ensure minimum disruption.
The refurbishment will pave the way for Printworks to elevate its position as a pioneer in the international leisure market following the planning consent granted in February 2020. Alongside the internal transformation, there will be a particular focus on enhancing the iconic Printworks façade to protect its heritage value.
“Printworks has shown resilience through the pandemic and refurbishing this iconic venue remains part of our vision for the asset. The leisure sector continues to transition as consumers seek the ultimate experience with technology redefining both expectations and possibilities. Consumers at Printworks will soon benefit from just that with a fully immersive and interactive environment on a scale not previously seen in the UK. This in turn will drive footfall and provide our tenants with the best opportunity for trade,” said Ben Haller at DTZ Investors.
“Printworks has an exciting tenant-mix from day-time family entertainment to the evening and late-night offer and we are delighted to confirm Vue cinema has signed a new long-term commitment to the scheme. This, alongside our extensive refurbishment, point toward Printworks remaining a prime destination leisure venue for years to come”
DTZ Investors purchased the Printworks site in February 2017 from Land Securities for £108 million and works will commence in February 2022 on the back of Printworks demonstrating its resilience through the pandemic with strong footfall recovery.
