The jeweller, David M Robinson, has doubled its retail space within Henry Boot Developments’ (HBD’s) Equitable Building in a deal that illustrates the continued strength of the city centre jewellery district in and around St Ann’s Square, despite the challenging retail environment.
David M Robinson will extend its existing 2,734 sq ft space into an adjacent unit which is currently vacant, doubling its total floorplate to 4,832 sq ft over two floors.
The jeweller has taken the space on a 15-year lease.
The 28,500 sq ft Equitable Building forms a prime retail pitch onto St Ann’s Square, opposite the Grade I listed church. The building dates back to the late nineteenth century and lies within the St Ann’s Square conservation area.
The square has established itself as home to Manchester’s luxury jewellery stores, including Fraser Hart, Hancocks, Tag Heuer and Mappin and Webb.
Tom Dunn, Development Surveyor at HBD’s Manchester office, said: “We are really pleased to be adding to the good news stories surrounding St Ann’s Square. David Robinson will further solidify the established pitch in St Ann’s Square, which has seen a number of high profile lettings recently.”
“David Robinson represents an extremely well-respected brand in Manchester. It’s a reflection both of the strength of its offer and its location that David Robinson has decided to double its floorplate at the Equitable Building.”
“We remain heavily invested in the square and are excited to bring forward our wider proposals for the Equitable Building. St Ann’s Square is a hugely attractive part of the city, sitting within the conservation area and home to the beautiful St Ann’s Church. One of the most pleasant parts of the city, it’s one of the few places that benefits from a sense of tranquility at the heart of the bustle.”
Established in the 1960s, David M Robinson is one of the UK’s most well-established jewellers, creating exclusive designs for its showrooms in London, Liverpool, Manchester and Altrincham, with customers travelling large distances to have bespoke pieces commissioned. Its extended Manchester showroom is illustrative of the continued growth of the business and the reputation cultivated by the city’s jewellery district centred at St Ann’s Square.
