Abandoned Manchester railway arches to become shop and restaurant hub
The council is yet to approve the £4m scheme, but if successful it would transform the arches - the largest of their kind outside of London - into a new neighbourhood
A row of empty Manchester railways that have sat empty for years is set to become a new shopping and dining hub, if plans submitted to council bosses are successful.
The railway arches behind Manchester Victoria railway station have long stood derelict, but now it appears that developers want to turn them into a row of shops, bars, restaurants and cafes for locals and visitors to enjoy.
The Arch Company, a national project that plans to transform 1,000 empty or derelict spaces across England and Wales by 2030, has its sights set on the location and has submitted plans to bring the ten arches back to life.
If successful the £4m scheme will become part of the national £200m Project 1000 scheme, which has already seen the developer purchase 253 spaces in Manchester and Salford, including arches on Temperance Street and Bennett Street.
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the Victoria railway arches are the largest of their kind outside of the capital.
Whilst acquiring its portfolio, the developer purchased a large range of spaces from Network Rail.
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Archy 5, better known as the pop-up bikes shop, will remain open on Corporation Street throughout the redevelopment.
Arches beyond number 11, meanwhile, are not affected as they are not part of the project according to planning documents.
Speaking on the application, portfolio asset manager Rob Roddy said: “Corporation Street is a fantastic location for leisure and retail businesses to make their own – we see incredible potential in these railway arches.
“As part of our development plan, Project 1000, we’re committed to investing in 1,000 spaces by 2030 and hope these arches in Manchester will form part of these plans.”
Featured image – The Arch Company
City Centre
Where to watch Tyson Fury vs Oleskandr Usyk 2 in Manchester city centre
Danny Jones
Tyson Fury vs Usyk 2: ‘Undisputed’ is nearly upon us with the two contenders fighting to become unified heavyweight champion, and as the biggest fight of the year (at least since the last one), you might rightly be wondering where in Manchester is best to watch it.
With a homegrown albeit controversial talent on one side in Fury and a no-nonsense, not to mention undefeated Ukrainian on the other, there’ll be Mancs cheering for both sides but regardless of who you want to win, we can assure you town is going to be absolutely rammed with fight fans.
That being said, much like getting in the ring itself, you’re best having a game plan if you haven’t already sorted out where you’re going to watch the Fury vs Usyk rematch.
Now, you’re going to want to bank on big rooms with plenty of space for those coming last minute; don’t worry, we’ve got a few ideas and they’re decently spaced out in terms of area too.
Where to watch the Fury vs Usyk 2 fight in Manchester city centre
1. Tank and Paddle – Printworks
Spread across too large floors, it still has all the appeal of the old place and more. (Credit: The Manc Eats)
First up on the list is the newest addition to the Printworks entertainment complex: Tank and Paddle, which has taken over the old Yates site. Specialising in craft beers, cocktails, big pizzas and big screens for live sport, if you used to head here for the boxing before you have even more reason to now.
2. BOX – Deansgate
Next up is arguably the current king of Manchester’s live sports bar scene. Famous for great food, live music, shuffleboard, big steins of beer and even pornstar martinis (yes, whole pitchers of the stuff), as well as its giant jumbotron screen, it’s literally impossible for you to miss a single punch thrown here.
ln at number three is what we refer to as old faithful but, to repeat its true title, is The Brotherhood of Pastimes and Pursuits. We never ever say that name in full but we what do on a regular basis is head here after work, as well as pre and post-matchday to watch the rest of the action and play some games whilst we’re at it. It will be heaving for the fight but if you can book or get there early, you’ll have a ball.
Speaking of reliable after work and weekend haunts, they don’t get more tried and tested than Roxy Ball Room as we simply like to call her, our lovely lady Roxy. Shuffleboard, bowling, darts, pool, table tennis, basketball machines, beer pong, curling – oh yeah, and you can look up to watch the boxing if you want…
Fifth and finally, Mother Mary’s is the unsung hero of our list. It’s fast becoming one of our favourite places to watch sport anywhere in town. It’s popped over on New Wakefield St where Manc institution The Font used to be and it won’t stay the city centre’s best kept secret for long, so make sure you grab a table, one the cheapest pints of Guinness around and a seat in front of the big screens whilst you can.
Honourable mention…
Shooters/Bierkeller
Last but not least, we had to throw another suggestion (or two in there) because besides Tank and Paddle in Printworks, there also happens to be the legendary Bierkeller beer hall and the American sports and gaming bar attached it, Shooters, both of which will promise a great crowd for this title fight.
If all else has truly failed, O’Neill’s and Walkabout are just around the corner too – you’ve got to get in somewhere and you really don’t want to miss this clash.
If you were still wondering where to watch to watch the Fury vs Usyk rematch in central Manchester this Saturday, that handful of suggestions should just about do you in a pinch, just keep in mind that the earlier the better when it comes to events like this.
The two boxers are expect to begin their ring walks at around 10:25pm UK time, so you should have plenty of time to find a good spot to watch the carnage.
Featured Images — The Manc Group/TNT Sports (screenshot via YouTube) BOX (via Instagram)
City Centre
Bada Bing sandwich shop is hosting a 24-hour charity run to help the homeless this Christmas
Danny Jones
Manchester’s beloved Bada Bing sandwich shop is getting in the festive spirit and looking to give back that Christmas by hosting a 24-hour charity run on behalf of Greater Manchester’s homeless.
The Sopranos-themed deli and butty makers made their long-awaited return to Manchester city centre earlier this year after closing back in 2022, much to the delight of us fellow bread-lovers, and it didn’t take long for them to get back on top.
Coming back with a bada-bang this past September, Bada Bing once again has people lining up out the door and down the road for their unreal sandwiches pretty much every lunchtime.
However, apart from the daily queues, another thing that sadly remains a constant on our streets is the homeless community and with this time of year a particularly difficult one, the foodie favourites have decided to lace up their running shoes to help make a difference.
Teaming up with Sam from Peaks and Pubs, who posts his own running, hiking and general outdoor content to more than 40,000 followers, the digital creator will be helping lead the 24-hour charity relay run around the city, starting and ending at the sandwich shop itself.
Put simply, the aim is to raise as much money as possible for the local non-profit Mustard Tree by running 2k loops on the hour every hour. The first lap will kick off at 11am on Friday, 20 December and will finish with one final loop setting off at 10am the following day.
The Ancoats-based charity combats poverty and aims to prevent homelessness all over the 10 boroughs and has been making a huge impact in central Manchester for more than three decades now; their important work only becomes more vital during the holiday season.
As for Sam and co., they will be running at a super social and steady pace meaning no one gets left behind and, more importantly, everyone can get involved to do their bit for a community that desperately needs our help – especially during the winter.
No doubt taking inspiration from the city’s annual 24-Hour Run Against Homelessness on behalf of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, which absolutely smashed its fundraising target in 2024, we already know how brilliant a turnout these events can produce, so we can only hope for similar success.
Manchester has been putting in the hard yards to help the homeless for many years now.
Announcing the run last week, Bada Bing reiterated that as well as coming along for the charity run, “all donations, little or large, are hugely appreciated and go a long way”, adding that they “will also be accepting tinned food donations at the shop throughout the challenge.”
We’re sure the sandwich stars will be serving up the odd ‘Bing’, ‘Chicago Beef’ and even a festive special or two to help keep the runners fuelled but, above all else, they’re playing host to a wonderful heartwarming event and we’re always happy to hear of charity events like this.
So, if you fancy getting involved you can turn up any time from 11 onwards this Friday and even if you’re not the running type, you can donate directly to the fundraiser HERE.
Georgina Pellant -
17th April 2023 
