Listed building to get high-end coffee and cocktail bar

The redevelopment of the Grade II-listed 60 Spring Gardens in central Manchester has been given the go-ahead.

HOW Planning has received the go-ahead by Manchester City Council for the scheme in the heart of the historic Upper King Street.

Bar operator Roc & Rye can now make a start on its refurbishment project with plans to create an independent, high-end craft coffee and cocktail establishment in the ground floor unit of the building which has been vacant for some time.
 
The building in Upper King Street’s conservation area and originally designed by local architect Alfred Waterhouse, the building was previously allocated as office use.

The planning application requested a change of use from office to a high-end bar.  Designed by architects Pickard Design, the fit out and style of the new bar will be in keeping with the surrounding uses and complementing other leisure units in the area.

Rachel Jones, planner at HOW Planning, said: “Roc & Rye will be a unique bar concept in an area which already contains a mix of office and leisure uses.  

“We were able to draw upon our extensive heritage experience to ensure the new proposals helped to protect a city centre listed building, whilst offering an exciting new prospect for this part of the city centre.”

APAM has agreed the deals on the ground floor and appointed HOW Planning to secure the change of use.

Roc & Rye has been set up by a trio of directors (an award-winning bar tender, a highly experienced bar Businessman and a Corporate Marketing Consultant) and the proposed new bar will offer daytime trade in craft coffee as well as alcoholic drinks and a night time venue.

The unit has been granted a 10am-3am alcohol license seven days a week.