Downing has reached full commercial occupancy at Square Gardens, its co-living development on First Street in Manchester, following the signing of LollipawsClub, a one-stop pet lifestyle shop and cafe set to open this autumn.
The letting marks a key milestone for the scheme, completing its ground-floor retail offer designed to serve both residents and the wider First Street community. With all six commercial units now let, Square Gardens has created a neighbourhood hub blending independent food and drink with everyday essentials and specialist services.
LollipawsClub will occupy Unit 6 and is currently fitting out ahead of its autumn 2026 opening. The pet lifestyle brand offers a wide range of services including professional grooming and styling, a pet bakery, and an immersive cat cafe experience. They also offer a range of pet products including cat and dog food, freeze-dried treats, and a variety of toys.
The pet cafe joins a diverse retail mix anchored by Asda Express, alongside Thai-Chinese restaurant Yaowarat and Ty Blawd, a new coffee shop, both of which are due to open this summer. Seol & Tokyo, an East Asian supermarket and restaurant has been operating since October 2025.
“LollipawsClub completes the commercial line-up at Square Gardens. From the outset, our ambition was to create a neighbourhood with its own identity, somewhere residents and the wider community actively choose to spend time.
Each business brings something different to the development, supporting local jobs, increasing footfall and helping strengthen Square Gardens as a vibrant destination. It’s exciting to see the retail offer now fully established alongside a thriving residential community.”
John Clegg, Head of Property Management
Downing
The milestone follows last year’s news that Square Gardens’ residential element achieved full occupancy on completion, highlighting demand for flexible, community-focused living in Manchester City Centre.
For more information about Square Gardens, please visit: https://squaregardens.com/
