Over the past 15 years Manchester has undergone major improvements to the core retail area, with new developments on Cathedral Street and the refurbishment of a number of buildings on St Ann’s Square. The development of New Cathedral Street anchored by Harvey Nichols and Selfridges now links into Exchange Street and St Ann’s Square and has extended the primary area, attracting upmarket retailers as a preference to Market Street and the Arndale. The Arndale Centre underwent a redevelopment of the northern part of the centre, which was completed in Autumn 2006.

Having recently secured planning permission, the current owners are planning significant investment in the retail and leisure elements of Manchester Royal Exchange. Works start in October 2015 with particular improvements to the retail façades that will emphasise the building’s rich heritage and create a cutting edge retail environment. The diversity of unit sizes will allow best in class independents to thrive alongside larger quality MSU occupiers, supported by pro-active on site property managers. The retail in Royal Arcade also offers occupiers additional variety in the property.