A new car dealership is set to come to an unexpected Manchester location — on St Ann's Square.

The square, known for its proximity to the city centre's premier shopping parade King Street, is also home to jewellers, high-end fashion brands, and al fresco dining. It's also home to the Royal Exchange theatre, and important civic buildings like the Manchester Coroners Court.

The theatre and court are both housed inside the Royal Exchange complex, originally built in 1874, but was extensively restored after being bombed in the Second World War and by the IRA in 1996. By that point, both King Street and St Ann's Square had been pedestrianised — among the first areas in the city to become car-free.

However, the number of cars will increase now the new franchise is eyed for a vacant shop unit next to Black Sheep Coffee on Deansgate, underneath the Waterstones bookshop — itself the largest-of-its-kind in the north of England. Should a planning application get the green light, it will mean Seat subsidiary company Cupra will move in.

However, the location isn't the only part of the dealership which isn't run-of-the-mill. Documents show Lookers, the company behind the bid, also wants to create an outside area of seven tables alongside an 'afterwork area and exhibition space' in order 'to provide a new consumer experience, combining showroom space and hospitality provision in a city centre environment'.

To make it happen, however, six bike stands would need to be removed from St Ann Street. That will also be necessary to create an access for Cupra cars to enter the showroom, Lookers added.

"The existing unit, which currently lies vacant, was previously occupied by Fraser Hart jewellers," explained a statement from Northmill architects for Lookers. "The proposal for the application site seeks to complement the existing urban fabric, refurbishing and rebranding the existing shop frontage whilst bringing an existing retail unit back into commercial use."

If the plans were to get the go-ahead, it would be the first time a city centre car showroom opened up since Ford took over a portion of the Next store in the Arndale. The 'high street store' concept was launched in 2018.

Currently, Cupra does not have a dealership in Manchester — but it does have locations in Bolton and Stockport. Its range of cars are based on existing Spanish manufacturer Seat's models.

The range includes 4x4s such as the Formentor and Ateca, family cars like the Leon, and electric cars like the Born and Tavascan.