Paul Smith to return to Manchester with New Cathedral Street store

Paul Smith will make his return to Manchester this autumn with a new store on New Cathedral Street.

The British designer has signed a 10-year lease on a 3,000 sq ft unit previously occupied by LK Bennett, next to upscale department store Harvey Nichols.

New Cathedral Street and the nearby Manchester Arndale Centre are joint-owned by M&G Real Estate and shopping centre owner Intu.

Intu regional director Colin Flinn said Smith's return underscored Manchester's reputation as a "must trade" location for leading fashion brands.

"Looking forward, we expect occupier demand to continue to grow for Manchester retail real estate – both in New Cathedral Street and Manchester Arndale and we want to build on this latest deal to attract more exciting premium, design-led brands to the city," Flinn said.

Paul Smith had previously had a store in The Avenue, Spinningfields in Manchester and this new store is the second significant regional store Smith has announced in the past year. Last year September the brand revealed it was opening at the Mailbox shopping destination in Birmingham.