The owner of one of the most famous entertainment landmarks in Manchester, UK, has submitted plans for a major redevelopment.
DTZ Investors has earmarked £9m for the refurbishment of the iconic Printworks in the city which represents the first major investment in the scheme since it launched 20 years ago. The funds are aimed at maintaining Printworks’ position as one of the leading entertainment destination for Manchester and the surrounding areas.
The works include enhancement of the external façade to complement the existing period architecture as well as new digital tenant signage and improved gateway entrances. There will also be an internal transformation with new technology, lighting and interaction to cater for a growing, round-the-clock customer base.
A highlight of the refurbishment will see the internal introduction of a 1,300sq.m full-span digital ceiling screen, said to be the largest in Europe. It will offer an enhanced customer experience with the ability to control ambience, lighting and sound with ever-changing imagery and tailored content. The trend of gamification will be leveraged via a large interactive screen in the heart of the scheme to encourage social competition and engagement from visitors.
Recent attractions to be added to the entertainment offering on-site included Treetop Adventure Golf, Escape Reality and Tenpin bowling. DTZ plans to continue diversifying its tenant-mix away from a predominantly late-night offer to fully reposition Printworks as a destination for both day and night-time entertainment in Manchester.
Refurbishment is scheduled to commence in Spring 2020 and is being structured in such a way to ensure minimum disruption so that Printworks can remain open and trading throughout.
“Our business has embraced the challenges of successful placemaking and we are deploying a variety of approaches throughout our portfolio,” said Ben Haller, at DTZ Investors.
“This refurbishment at Printworks will create an unrivalled interactive and immersive experience as a crucial element of our strategy, and operational changes will expand on existing community links alongside a new ambitious events and gaming programme.”
2018 saw Printworks attract its highest visitor numbers since 2011 with over 8.1 million guests welcomed.
