After several years of redevelopment, bosses behind the newly-revived legendary 60s gig venue New Century Hall have finally pulled back the curtain on its first phase – a stunning new food hall.
Eventually, the Grade II-listed building will be fully restored, right down to its sprung dance floor, 1960s ‘disco ceiling’ and vintage wood-panelled walls. But these things take time, so whilst developers get the whole place gig ready they’ve decided to crack on with a new food offering for the city.
Here, on the ground floor, the newly opened food hall plays host to six new kitchens, including a new project from Adam Reid, the acclaimed chef behind The French at The Midland.
Reid is here debuting a new butty concept, inspired by childhood trips to his family’s local baker.
Inside New Century food hall in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupInside New Century food hall in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupInside New Century food hall in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Elsewhere, Altrincham Market House favourite Banh Vi has moved in offering its signature plant-based Vietnamese baguettes and nasi goreng, whilst Northern Quarter pizza staple PLY is venturing into the wilder side of things as part of a new collaboration with the planet-saving flour company Wildfarmed.
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Firing everything in a custom-built pizza oven at the helm of New Century’s ground floor, chef Carl Fraenki-Retti has developed his recipe using their biodynamic flour to create a 24-hour slow proved dough which forms the basis of a vibrant menu.
You’ll also find father-and-son duo BaoBros23, winners of the 2021 British Street Food Awards ‘People’s Choice’ winners, slinging out loaded buns, fries and desserts, fresh off the back of their latest pop-up success at Riverhead Brewery Tap in Marsden.
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Inside New Century food hall in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupInside New Century in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupInside New Century food hall in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupInside New Century food hall in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Wilmslow sushi favourites Zumuku Sushi have also moved in, serving its authentic, fresh sushi and other Japanese favourites to the food hall.
Chef Tom Lowe is another new arrival, drawing from the great steakhouses of the UK and Europe and his passion for well-bred, native beef at new opening Tallow.
Working with 28-day-aged beef from local butchers, diners can find a range of high-quality steaks, burgers and sides.
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There are also coffee and grab ‘n’ go concepts from New Century, plus local beers, wines, cocktails, teas, juices and smoothies.
The space itself has been designed by Sheila Bird Studio, with mid century decor inspired by the Grade II listed building’s original 60s features which have been restored and replicated.
The food hall will spill outside onto Sadler’s Yard for al fresco dining, drinking and regular events like the family friendly day on Saturday 24 September.
Atul Bansal, founder of Sheila Bird, said: “I stumbled across this building 10 years ago and had to get inside this space that had been locked away for so many years.
“I spent seven years trying to find people who would help me reignite the building’s soul, and now the building is alive and beating. Interior isn’t about designing something, it’s about giving something a purpose and I am so excited to have helped New Century to be reborn.”
Featured image: The Manc Group
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Council sets out plans to rework busy Manchester junction after ‘serious safety concerns’
Emily Sergeant
Bold new plans to transform one of Manchester’s busiest junctions following ‘serious’ safety concerns have been unveiled.
All the way back in 2022, Manchester City Council identified the junction of Wilmslow Road with Ladybarn Road and Sherwood Street as an area that would ‘greatly benefit’ from upgraded infrastructure.
As a major route into Manchester, and an important route cutting through the city’s southern neighbourhoods, this junction sees a vast amount of road, cyclist, and foot traffic every day… and because of this, there are also said to be ‘serious concerns’ around safety when it comes to this particular stretch of road.
In a five year period between 2018 and 2023 alone, there were 15 collisions at this junction, the Council explained – with two of these classified as ‘serious’.
Under the plans – which have been announced by the Council this week – the junction is to be partially redesigned, creating several new and safer crossing points for cyclists and pedestrians, a more ‘seamless’ route along the current cycling lanes, and overall, just general improvements to the layout.
🚧 Wilmslow Rd Junction Improvements 🚲 Works start 18 May 2026 at Wilmslow Rd / Ladybarn Rd / Sherwood St to make the junction safer for pedestrians & cyclists. ✅ New cycle lanes ✅ Safer crossings ✅ Better links to the Fallowfield Loop 🔗 https://t.co/Y26mH7cc8Epic.twitter.com/IiOih5ehqp
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) May 11, 2026
Some of the safety features set to be included are three dedicated crossing points for pedestrians at the junction, rumble strips for cyclists at pedestrian crossing points, and improved signage and road markings.
Work is due to begin as early as next Monday (18 May), and will run until January 2027.
The work is set to be carried out in four phases, the Council has confirmed – with the first phase of these works comprising of the removal of street furniture, kerbs and tarmac, as well as upgrades to the drainage and road markings.
“This junction in particular sees a high volume of traffic – from cars, cyclists and pedestrians, commented Councillor Tracey Rawlins, who is the Executive Member for Clean Air, Environment and Transport at Manchester City Council.
“So it was clear that improvements were required following our engagement with local residents.
“As has been the case with other schemes like this in Manchester, safety remains our number one priority.
“We have long said that we want Manchester to be a city where people can walk and cycle around in safety, and by upgrading this junction and improving its crossing points, we are taking another step towards that goal.”
Featured Image – Google Maps
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Printworks launches UK-wide student art competition for Europe’s largest digital ceiling
Emily Sergeant
Printworks has launched a student art competition offering the winner a chance to have their work displayed on Europe’s largest digital ceiling.
Do you know an aspiring artist? Students aged 16 and over are invited to bring the ocean to life in a brand-new creative arts competition launched by one of the UK’s leading entertainment destinations, Manchester’s Printworks.
The venue has now opened entries for UK students from sixth forms, colleges, universities, and art colleges across the country to take part in an exciting new art competition.
This year, students are asked to create an original artwork inspired by the theme ‘Ocean / Under the Sea’, and then the winning design will be transformed into a spectacular digital display across the impressive ceiling installation.
From colourful coral gardens and tropical fish, to mysterious deep-sea worlds and majestic marine life, students are encouraged to unleash their creativity and dive beneath the waves for inspiration.
“We’re incredibly excited to launch this year’s student art competition and can’t wait to see the imagination and creativity that the UK’s young artists bring to this year’s theme,” commented Dan Davis, who is the General Manager at Printworks Manchester.
Printworks has launched a UK-wide student art competition for Europe’s largest digital ceiling / Credit: Supplied
“Our digital ceiling gives students the opportunity to see their work displayed on a truly massive scale in front of thousands of visitors, and we hope the addition of new prizes will encourage creativity to continue beyond the competition.”
The winning artist will also receive an iPad 11th Generation with an Apple Pencil (USB-C) this year too, as well as the main prize of having their artwork featured, giving budding creatives powerful new tools to continue developing their artistic talents and future projects.
Entrants who come in second and third place will also receive vouchers to be used at different venues inside Printworks.
The competition is now open, and further details on how to enter, submission guidelines, and full terms and conditions can be found on the Printworks website here.
Georgina Pellant -
26th August 2022 
