UK. Manchester Airport has revealed plans for 27 new eateries and retail units in its brand new Terminal Two. They are scheduled to open by 2025, and will form a key part of the airport’s £1.3 billion (US$1.63 billion) transformation programme.
The extended departure lounge will feature a food market serving a variety of world cuisines and quick eats, alongside what the airport describes as a boutique high street-style shopping area featuring premium brands. There are also plans for a Champagne Bar, artisan cafés and a brasserie.
The shopping zone, to be known as The Avenue, will have a vibrant and airy feel, according to the airport. Each store front will open onto airfield views, with extensive passenger seating close by for added comfort.
The airport said it is searching for retailers selling toys, fashion, accessories and travel essentials to take up units in this area. It is seeking out partners who will showcase the best of the North of England in their units, through the design of their stores and the range of products on offer.
Manchester Airport Retail Director Richard Jackson said: “We are well aware that our guests’ holidays start at the airport and we want them to enjoy their time here – whether that means sipping craft beer brewed at the airport in a bar overlooking the airfield, or eating an artisan pizza.
“We already have a great range of food and drink options in Terminal Two, with local brands which create a strong Sense of Place, but we’re looking to build on that with all-new offerings, including a Champagne Bar and a market hall style food court.”
He added: “We’re also seeking retail partners who will bring a high-class offering, tailored to the needs of the travelling public. The first phase of the project saw some exciting brands come on board, but we’re now keen to build on that and provide a more varied and comprehensive retail experience to cater for the tastes of the millions of passengers who will pass through the terminal’s doors.”
The plans have been revealed as the airport begins the tendering process for more than two dozen new units this month, with a view to announcing the successful applicants by April 2024.
The expanded retail and restaurant offering forms part of the transformation programme’s second phase, which will see the original Terminal Two building remodelled and upgraded, in sync with the recently-opened terminal extension. Work is expected to be completed by 2025.
More than 80% of the airport’s passengers are expected to travel through Terminal Two once the second phase of the transformation programme is complete.
The airport noted that a blend of regional and national brands are expected to operate the new units, in keeping with the areas of the terminal that are already open to passengers.
The first phase of the project saw a number of Mancunian favourites taking up residence in Terminal Two. These included burger and shake chain Archie’s, Italian restaurant San Carlo and coffee brand Pot Kettle Black, plus Manchester brewers Joseph Holt and Seven Bro7hers. They were joined by well-known names such as Costa Coffee, WHSmith, Pret a Manger and Wagamama.
Pot Kettle Black Owner Mark Flanagan said: “Opening an outlet in Manchester Airport together with our partners HMSHost UK has been an incredible experience. We started in Manchester nine years ago in just a small premises in Barton Arcade. Now through the branch in the airport we’re reaching customers who come from all over the world and we’re even seeing international customers visiting our city centre branches because they’ve been to the one in the airport.
“Back in 2014 we never thought we’d be an international brand but the airport branch is helping us do that.” 
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