THE future of Manchester's Afflecks Palace looks brighter with a new lease proposal on the table.

Bosses from the Northern Quarter shopping emporium have met advisers to discuss terms after the contract expires in June.

The M.E.N. revealed a standoff with building owners Bruntwood left traders worried for their future.

With just four months left on the lease, the 100 stallholders feared the building might be sold for redevelopment or a rent hike would force many out of business. The crisis sparked an outcry and Manchester council stepped in to protect one of the few independent retail centres left in the city.

Unclear

Now representatives from the two sides have met and Afflecks management has been offered a renewed lease but not the written terms they claim they have been requesting since last summer. It remains unclear how much rents will rise.

Bruntwood managing director Chris Oglesby dismissed fears that the building could be turned into luxury apartments.

He said: "Our intention is not to redevelop the Afflecks building. But we cannot make any firm assurances."

John Chapman, a chartered surveyor working for Afflecks, said the new lease proposal would be given due consideration by the management.

He said: "While we haven't had anything in writing we have had a proposal for a renewed lease, which we are considering."

Coun Pat Karney said: "The council has been inundated with letters and phone calls about the future of Afflecks.

"I am quite confident that the original character of Afflecks will be retained."

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