Cat cafe concept pounces into Manchester

Commercial property advisory firm Bilfinger GVA has helped facilitate the launch of the first ever cat cafe in Manchester.

The company worked to acquire Northern Quarter premises on behalf of Cat Café Manchester Ltd, which opened its doors on Friday (July 29).

James Ratcliffe, from Bilfinger GVA’s retail team, secured the property and negotiated change of use with Manchester City Council with the help of Hayley Knight from the firm’s planning team.

Originating in Japan and gaining momentum in the 1980s, the cat cafe concept gives people who live in high-rise apartment buildings the opportunity to experience and enjoy the company of cats.

The idea has now spread to Europe, with the UK’s first cat cafe opening in London in 2014.

James Ratcliffe, a senior surveyor with Bilfinger GVA, said: “Cat Café Manchester has great potential for growth and ambitious plans to expand.

“We are delighted to have supported the business in launching its first outlet and we are pleased to be advising on further units in Liverpool and Leeds.”

He added: “We look forward to continuing our work with The Cat Café team as they look to capitalise on the new cat café trend in the UK.”

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