Allied London unveils ‘The Field’
SPINNINGFIELDS developer Allied London has revealed it is to create a new public space in the city, called The Field.
The Field will include bars and restaurants, interlinking footpaths and planted areas.
The permanent public space will be home to a four-storey, timber-framed building known as The Pavillion.
The Pavillion will be greened and softened with landscaped ledges and trellises, tiered seating and street furniture, adding some public green space to Manchester city centre.
According to Allied London, it has been inspired by Eleanor Byrom, a young Manchester-habitant whose health was transformed in the 1700s by a field opposite her home, where Hardman Square sits today.
Michaell Ingall, Allied London’s chief executive, said: “The Field will be a space with a personality. Inspired by a true story, continuing on a legacy, The Field will reinvigorate the vision of a 19th century girl who fought to retain green space in Manchester. This wish is as relevant as ever today and The Field will provide a dynamic and inviting space for Manchester.”
He added: “We hope it will be a legacy, not only to the remarkable story of The Field, but also to the financial crisis of 2008, a crisis that put a stop to the development plans for several years. Out of crisis comes opportunity. In this case the overwhelming success this area enjoyed as temporary public realm with The Lawn Club seemed to add more value to the place than any building could ever do. It has ensured the opportunity to keep it free for people to enjoy and continue something exceptional and striking.
“Now seems an apt time in the wake of Brexit to reinvigorate that sense of hope and in true British style, to keep calm and carry on.”
Allied London will invite leisure operators to pitch for the chance to trade at the Pavillion.
A planning application is set to be submitted shortly with work due to start on The Field later in 2016.
Allied London said it will complement the No 1. Spinningfields office, which launched its new marketing suite last week and will open in 2017.
