Manchester to get major new entertainment centre and food hall
A derelict railway depot behind Manchester’s Piccadilly Station could be transformed into a new arts venue and food hall.
Developer U+I has been working with live music specialist Ground Control, and production and events company Vibration Group, on the scheme.
The plan is part of the biggest development projects in Manchester in a generation.
The 30-acre site will eventually include 1,300 homes, offices, a 350-bedroom hotel, retail and leisure facilities and a new city park.
At the heart of the £1.bn development is the abandoned railway depot.
The aim is to transform the 135,000 sq ft depot Victorian building into a major new attraction.
The depot would be split into three offerings: the building’s ticket hall would be a market hall which would offer street food, restaurants, retail, and events space while the east and central chambers will be focussed on live music, experiential, and cultural space.
According to planners Deloitte, the central chamber will have a capacity of around 7,400 people; while the west will house up to 4,300 and the east 6,250.
Events taking place at the venue this year will include the Manchester International Festival in July; Manchester Pride in August; and a series of Warehouse Projects nights between September to New Year’s Day.
Many of the events currently held in Albert Square, including the Christmas Markets, could relocate to Mayfield.
The square is being closed as part of the £330m refurbishment of Manchester Town Hall.
The first phase will see the creation of a new park next to the River Medlock, along with a 90,000 sq ft, eight-storey office, and a 550-space multi storey car park.
Permission is sought for the Mayfield site to operate for five years.
The Mayfield Partnership includes LCR, Manchester City Council, Transport for Greater Manchester and regeneration specialist U+I.
Adrian Lee, Development Manager at LCR, said: “Mayfield will be an exemplar of what can be achieved when the public and private sectors come together to combine their skills, assets and expertise: a truly distinctive place which will deliver commercial and social value in equal measure and a magnet for enterprising and creative people and organisations.”
Mayfield depot
James Heather, Development Director at U+I, said: “At the heart of our vision is the creation of a world class and socially inclusive neighbourhood which will attract businesses, residents and visitors, all drawn by the quality and vibrancy of the environment we are creating.
“We look forward to sharing our detailed proposals with the people of Manchester in May this year and I know from the conversations I have had with many people over the last two years there is a great deal of excitement about what Mayfield will deliver for our city.”
