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Plans unveiled to turn old Oxford Road HATCH site into new ‘entertainment hub’

STACK Manchester will be a "dynamic blend" of street food, bars, and live entertainment.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 3rd September 2024

Exciting plans have been unveiled to create a brand-new “entertainment hub” in the heart of Manchester city centre.

One of the UK’s fastest-growing leisure chains, STACK – which already has several similar successful sites across the country in places such as Newcastle and Sunderland – has announced that it has now taken control of the former HATCH site beneath the flyover on Oxford Road, and will be transforming the space into a “dynamic blend” of street food, bars, and live entertainment.

The proposed new venture, which will be called STACK Manchester, has been designed with a gateway arch entrance from Oxford Road, leading to an expansive open plaza surrounded by street food vendors and bars.

Forming a permanent feature of the Oxford Road Corridor if approved, STACK Manchester will be housed in repurposed shipping containers, and arranged over two levels.

Developers say the design of the new site will incorporate “ample” glazing and pavement seating to create a “lively frontage that connects seamlessly with the street”.

Central to the development is a large stage, which will be a focal point for daily live entertainment that ranges from family-friendly events and quiz nights, to mass sing-alongs and dog shows, and in addition to this, there’ll also be two new outward-facing retail units and a dual-aspect coffee shop.

Former traders from HATCH are encouraged to apply for a place in the new STACK Manchester, and will be given priority during the selection process.

Speaking as the plans for the new development were unveiled this week, Neill Winch, who is the CEO of STACK, commented: “We believe this site is the perfect fit for our concept, and we’re excited to bring our blend of street food, bars, and live entertainment to Manchester.

“Subject to planning approval being granted, we are confident STACK Manchester will become a much-loved venue for local residents as well as a successful visitor attraction.”

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STACK Manchester is expected to create 160 full and part-time jobs, if approved, as well as offering new opportunities for small businesses to thrive.

Featured Image – STACK

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The NBA is coming to Manchester for just the second time ever

Danny Jones Danny Jones NBA coming to Manchester Co-op Live

In another major coup for Manchester, the NBA is coming to our shores for just the second time in history, having only been played in the UK on a relative handful of occasions.

This is nothing short of a massive milestone for the city.

Having last crossed the pond back in 2019, the NBA has only visited 0161 once before over a decade ago at the old AO Arena, and there’s only been a total of 19 transatlantic meetings up until now.

As if that wasn’t exciting enough, being confirmed as part of the NBA’s new European slate, Manchester is also set to be one of the first venues in the UK to ever host a regular-season game.

NBA Europe have managed to secure a three-year programme of matches that will feature as part of the league’s normal competitive season.

Kicking off next year and running until 2028 at the very least, the current deal will see the much-loved sport watched worldwide first land on the continent for a pair of games next year in Berlin and London, before heading to Paris and our very own Manchester in 2027.

Florida’s Orlando Magic and Tennessee’s Memphis Grizzlies have already been announced for the first two games, although Manchester’s match-up is yet to be confirmed at this early stage.

With Basketball England being officially headquartered within the wider Etihad Campus, there was no question that the Manchester NBA fixture was going to be held at Co-op Live.

As well as being not just the biggest indoor entertainment venue of its kind in England but all of Europe, the arena has also recently welcomed the likes of the UFC, WWE and multiple boxing matches, proving it can serve as the perfect host for premier live sporting action on a global scale.

Speaking in the wake of the seismic news, the Leader of Manchester City Council and representative for Burnage, Bev Craig, could only echo how big a deal this is for the region.

“Manchester once again has shown what a magnificent draw it is for major events, and we are thrilled to welcome the NBA back to our city”, she said. “This city is known for big names, big games and a reputation for showcasing world-class events on the biggest stage possible.

“With a growing basketball scene in Manchester, this event feels like the perfect fit and will give so many people in our city the chance to see what the best athletes in the sport can do on our home turf.

“When it comes to delivering world-class events, we know that Manchester is now firmly on the map. Now, working with our partners, we want to continue driving investment towards our city, creating new jobs, increasing growth and providing new opportunities and experiences for all of our residents.”

Once again, the exact date, timings and teams set to play at the Co-op are still yet to be decided, but having also sealed the BRIT Awards ceremony for 2026, it’s set to be a truly momentous couple of years for the arena and the city as a whole.

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Featured Images — Press shots (supplied)

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Viral beauty retailer Sephora announces Manchester Arndale opening day plans

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Viral beauty stockist Sephora has announced the schedule ahead of new Manchester Arndale site’s opening day.

Known for stocking some of the world’s biggest beauty brands, including Sol De Janeiro Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez, Fenty, Huda Beauty, and more, Sephora is making its Manchester Arndale debut this week, and opening day plans have been confirmed.

After opening its first Manchester site inside the Trafford Centre last year, the cosmetics retailer is now really making its mark on Manchester city centre.

Ahead of its new launch inside one of Manchester’s biggest shopping centres, with a almost 5,000 sq ft site inside the Arndale, Sephora is expected to attract huge queues, so the retailer has issued a statement detailing its plans ahead of the opening day.

Sephora has announced plans ahead of its big Manchester Arndale launch event / Credit: The Manc Group
Sephora has announced plans ahead of its big Manchester Arndale launch event / Credit: The Manc Group
Sephora has announced plans ahead of its big Manchester Arndale launch event / Credit: The Manc Group

The opening day is this Friday (1 August) from 10am, and from this date, you’ll be able to get your hands on all their glorious goodies and brands.

If you’re eager to be one of the first people to browse this beauty shop and its massive product range, you’ll be able to queue beforehand – with entertainment on the day from 8am, and the opening ceremony from 9:30am.

Similarly to the brand’s Trafford Centre launch, there will be a range of activities, including an appearance from Drag King Don One, DJ sets, Spin the Wheel, and Sephora’s iconic viral gift bags.

These gift bags have become highly-sought-after due to the sheer amount of big names and top quality products you can find inside, and there’ll be 800 of these prized possessions given away throughout the weekend.

This time, however, the cosmetics retailer is trialling a new approach, with anyone who makes an in-store purchase receiving a ‘Sephora Beauty Bonus Card’ which gives you access to goodies and offers without queuing.

You’ll be in with the chance of winning a goodie bag, a mystery lucky dip for a full-sized product, Benefit Wax and Tint Brow Service, 30-minute makeover opportunity, exclusive merchandise, and a 10% off code for the Manchester Arndale Sephora shop.

The viral beauty brand Sephora will be giving away 800 goodie bag at its big Manchester Arndale launch event / Credit: The Manc Group
The viral beauty brand Sephora will be giving away 800 goodie bag at its big Manchester Arndale launch event / Credit: The Manc Group
The viral beauty brand Sephora will be giving away 800 goodie bag at its big Manchester Arndale launch event / Credit: The Manc Group

Sephora will be stocking more than 135 brands, as well as a curation of products that are exclusive to its UK locations.

Sarah Boyd, Managing Director of Sephora UK, commented: “We’ve been blown away by the energy and support from our community at every store opening since our first in 2023.

“This new approach means even more customers can enjoy the fun and walk away with a surprise without needing to arrive hours before doors open. It’s about putting customer wellbeing first, while still celebrating in true Sephora style”.

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Sephora is opening at Manchester Arndale on Friday 1 August, with entertainment starting from 8am, the official opening ceremony commencing from 9:30am, and the store opening at 10am.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images – The Manc Group

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