First part of £250m development to open this summer
People are being asked for their views on how Manchester’s quirkiest new venue should be used.
The Bungalow – the city’s only venue on stilts – will be the first part of the £250m KAMPUS development open to the public.
A new image of the building has been released with developers Henry Boot Developments and Capital&Centric planning to create a pop-up events and community space from the 1960s disused security cabin.
A programme of events is planned for the summer giving the first taste of what the new KAMPUS neighbourhood will have to offer.
The salvaged brick and concrete box sits on stilts overlooking the Rochdale canal and will feature a green roof and art adorning the walls
Adam Brady, Henry Boot Developments said: “Manchester’s a city full of character and quirks and KAMPUS will reflect that.
“It’s the unusual stuff – the stuff that other people would have just pulled down – that gives KAMPUS its identity and will make it an exciting place for people to explore.
“We’re not trying to dictate how the place evolves, it’ll be defined by the curious stuff that we keep, by the people that call it home, and by the community in which it sits.
“We’ve always loved the quirkiness of the Bungalow – can you name any other building in Manchester that’s on stilts? It’s our version of the village hall.
“One week it could be a pop up bar, the next it could be an art exhibition, with a mix of yoga classes and music events in between. We see it having a life of its own, with something different every week, so if you’ve got a great idea get in touch.”
The £250 million project, currently under construction at Aytoun Street, will transform the former Manchester Metropolitan University site into the city’s newest neighbourhood.
KAMPUS will include 533 in two new blocks, two refurbished warehouses and an existing 1960s tower.
The new neighbourhood will also feature a second garden off Chorlton Street surrounded by shops and cafes.
The cobbled Little David Street will also be restored as a café-bar-lined alley, with outdoor seating.
Contractors have been on site for over two years, with the project currently on track to complete in 2020.
People are being asked to submit their ideas for the Bungalow by emailing info@kampus-mcr.co.uk.
The development is one of Manchester’s largest regeneration projects currently on site.
The site is bordered by Aytoun Street, Chorlton Street, Canal Street and Minshull Street.
The first homes and units are due to open in Spring 2020.
