Affleck's Palace Becomes Affleck's

Manchester’s famous alternative department store, Affleck’s Palace has undergone a change of management.

After months of doubt and speculation, Bruntwood have taken charge of the building after the previous leaser, Elaine Walsh had to relinquish the building after months of unsuccessful negotiations.

Despite only having a lease on the building, Mrs Walsh does own the famous mosaics that adorn the walls of Affleck’s Palace. The mosaics have been removed from the walls now and have been taken to be renovated and then possibly auctioned off.

The new owners have quickly stamped their authority on the building making several changes already. They have replaced the mosaics on the outside walls with their own artwork; they have renovated the stairwells and rebranded the building simply as Affleck’s.

To celebrate the relaunch of Affleck’s, “Afflecks Day” was commissioned. People packed into the café as the event included live music as well as DJ sets by the Hacienda’s Dave Haslam and Inspiral Carpets’ Tom Hingley.

Bruntwood’s manager, Tony Martin, told the Manchester Evening News that due to the event’s success “it could become an annual event.”

Such an idea would surely go down well with Affleck’s shoppers because many feel as though it holds a special place in Mancunian culture. When Affleck’s’ future was in doubt there was a lot of protest from shoppers and celebrities alike, including some of Manchester’s most famous musicians from the likes of Oasis and New Order.