Printworks to undergo £22m transformation

Round-the-clock entertainment destination Printworks Manchester is set to begin its anticipated refurbishment in February 2022 as a £22m investment has been approved.

A new 20-year commitment has also been finalised to continue the schemes ongoing partnership with Vue, who operate 23 screens at Printworks, including Europe’s second largest IMAX. 

The cinema is set to undergo a multi-million-pound flagship refurbishment in tandem with the wider work.

The extensive work marks the first major investment since the scheme launched in 1999, and includes the installation of a 900m² digital ceiling: Europe’s largest and a dynamic platform for immersive audio-visual performances. 

Gamification is at the forefront of Printworks vision, with the immersive ceiling being complemented by a large interactive screen.

Printworks will remain fully open and trading throughout the refurbishment with the programme and implementation structured to ensure minimum disruption.

“Printworks has shown resilience through the pandemic and refurbishing this iconic venue remains part of our vision,” said a spokesperson for DTZ Investors.

“The leisure sector continues to transition as visitors seek the ultimate experience with technology redefining both expectations and possibilities.

“Visitors will soon benefit from just that with a fully immersive and interactive environment on a scale not previously seen in the UK, making it an ideal location for existing and future venues.

“Printworks has an exciting venue-mix from day-time family entertainment to the evening and late-night offer and we are delighted that Vue cinema has recently signed a new 20-year commitment to the scheme.

“This, alongside our extensive refurbishment, point toward Printworks remaining a prime destination leisure venue for years to come”

The refurbishment arrives on the back of Printworks demonstrating its resilience through the pandemic with strong footfall recovery, during which time it successfully welcomed nightlife powerhouse, Cargo and Brazilian-themed late night and all-day bar offering, Floripa, both owned by Shoreditch Bar Group.