Step Places secures Cottonopolis for former Ancoats pub development
Ancoats-based property developer Step Places has signed the owners of one of Manchester’s favourite cocktail spots, Cottonopolis, as the tenant for its historic Edinburgh Castle pub.
The site forms an anchor position on its Ancoats scheme on the junction of Blossom Street and Henry Street.
The team promises to bring an ‘authentic local pub’ back to the 19th century building and the area which is steeped in Manchester history, when it opens this Autumn.
Dating back to 1811, the Edinburgh Castle Public House and the Cutting Room above, which would have been used for cutting cloth patterns produced in the nearby mills, will have its original features retained and restored to breathe new life into the scheme.
The Cutting Room will be transformed into a 52-cover restaurant with an open kitchen offering home-cooked dishes using regional suppliers.
The pub downstairs will be a ‘traditional pub’ serving up an authentic pub feel and a decent pint. The concept and design will be revealed in the coming weeks.
With one of the most prolific bar operators in Manchester running the 3,400 sq ft pub, this will add further kudos to the increasing popularity of Ancoats, the city’s new place to be, says the developer.
Harry Dhaliwal, Step Places managing director, said: “We’re delighted to have Nick, Hayley and their team on board.
Edinburgh Castle
“With such an iconic building that’s so rich in history, it was imperative that we got the right operator who will transform the space and make the venue as illustrious and popular as it once was.
“Nick and Hayley get the area and our residents and I am looking forward to seeing its success. Our Cotton Square development is looking superb and I can’t wait for people to see more of it over the coming months.”
Nick Muir, director of Cottonopolis, added: “The Edinburgh Castle pub has been popular and serving locals for centuries, so we’ve got big boots to fill.
“We truly believe that our plans will ensure we’re giving the area, our neighbours and visitors what they want – a quality place to eat and drink, exuding Northern grit, a stylish twist and exceptional standards.”
The Ancoats development also comprises 11 town houses and 12 apartments which have recently been moved in to.
The original Cutting Room house has been converted into a fabulous loft apartment and a town house exuding the character and original features of the building’s heritage.
As well as the residential component and the renovated Edinburgh Castle pub, there is also further retail space, the tenants for which are yet to be announced.
