Established jeweller is first tenant for newly-refurbished city location

| Helen Hallsworth

Family business Steven Stone is the first tenant to take space at PJD Property’s newly-refurbished St John’s Court on Quay Street, Manchester, taking the third floor suite of 1,076 sq ft on a nine-year lease.

St John’s Court totals 4,842 sq ft and is in a prime location opposite Spinningfields, next to the new St John’s District.

PJD Property purchased St John’s Court in 2018, and over the past two years has undertaken a comprehensive refurbishment with new finishes throughout to bring the building up to Grade A standard, including air conditioning, new lift, WC’s and a remodelled entrance and reception area.

The second floor of 1,262 sq ft is being fully fitted and furnished to offer a “plug & play” opportunity for prospective tenants. This will include the creation of a meeting room, kitchen area and provision of carpeting, lights and desks throughout, meaning that tenants have no need for any significant capital expenditure when taking the space.

This solution is also available on the ground and first floors, if required. The design and fit-out is being undertaken by OBI Property.

Founded in Manchester in 1937, Steven Stone is relocating from its Manchester city centre operation in Spinningfields to St John’s Court and will offer a new modern, unique experience to selling engagement rings, wedding rings and bespoke diamond jewellery.

Customers will be taken through a special journey of “The Stone Way” showcasing Steven Stone’s fine jewellery experience. The showroom will run an appointment-only system.

Mark Davies, director of PJD Property, said: “We are delighted to welcome Steven Stone to St John’s Court.

“They are a company with a long-standing reputation in Manchester and it is good to have them in the building as our first tenant.

“Despite this last year creating a challenging environment for all, we’ve been encouraged by the level of interest in St John’s Court and hope to make further announcements in the near future.”

Zack Stone, managing director of Steven Stone, said: “St John’s Court ticked all the boxes for us – the space has an abundance of natural light, which is key in our business, and it’s in a great location. The visitor journey is of real importance to us and we felt that St John’s Court provided us with the right consumer experience. We’re looking forward to opening in April 2021.”

Canning O’Neill acted on behalf of PJD Property.