A new community of “lifestyle-led” apartments in one of Manchester’s most up-and-coming neighbourhoods is launching this week.
The apartment images and CGIs of the vibrant development have also just been released too.
The Castings is a brand-new ‘Build To Rent’ community of 352 apartments in Piccadilly East, which is often touted as one of Manchester‘s next-generation neighbourhoods.
The development – which is owned by CDL Hospitality Trusts (CDLHT), also known as the owners of the famous The Lowry hotel – is “bringing new life” to the up-and-coming neighbourhood near Manchester Piccadilly station with its range of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.
Viewings of the show apartments will be ready to book from this week, all before the development is then set to open its doors to residents in June.
The Castings is a brand-new ‘Build To Rent’ community of 352 apartments / Credit: Supplied
Sitting at the heart of an area steeped in rich industrial history, the development’s name, The Castings, has been chosen to pay homage to its past, and derives from pouring molten metals and other materials into moulds.
The design-led apartments are also inspired by these industrial shapes, flowing forms, and molten textures, according to developers.
As well as the hundreds of stunning apartments, the new lifestyle-led development will also feature a wellness studio and gym, a games room, private dining spaces, a roof terrace, and a co-working hub too – with a collection of food and drink, and retail businesses set to open for both residents and anyone in the surrounding city centre area.
The development will become a focal point of the up-and-coming Piccadilly East neighbourhood once it opens / Credit: Supplied
The Castings will become a focal point of Piccadilly East once it opens.
Not only was it named by The Sunday Times as one of the best places to live last year, but Piccadilly East – which is conveniently-adjacent to Ancoats, New Islington, and the Northern Quarter – is already home to some of Manchester’s most popular food, drink, and live entertainment venues, and is soon to welcome the highly-anticipated Co-op Live arena, too.
“In just a couple of months, we’ll be welcoming residents into our new community,” The Castings community manager, Dave Evans, commented ahead of viewings of the show apartments launching this week.
The new lifestyle-led development will also feature a gym, games room, co-working hub, and more / Credit: Supplied
He continued: “The focus for The Castings has been to create much more than just apartments, it’s a whole new lifestyle, with the best service and living experience that Manchester has to offer.
“Piccadilly East is a really exciting area to be part of, as it’s the next generation of Manchester, and following on from the footsteps of Ancoats, we hope to help create the next bustling creative hub in the city.”
Viewings of The Castings’ show apartments are due to begin from Monday 18 March onwards, with prices expected to start from £1,150 per month for a Studio, £1,250 per month for a one-bed apartment, £1,525 per month for a two-bed, and £2,175 for a three-bed apartment.
With the first residents able to move into the apartments from June, you can now register your interest, book a viewing, and find out more on The Castings website here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Manchester Arndale is slashing prices on food and drink across the shopping centre
Daisy Jackson
Manchester Arndale’s Summer Scran Fest is back – and that means there are some absolute bargains to be had on food and drink right across the shopping centre.
Throughout the month of August, restaurants, cafes and kiosks within Manchester Arndale will be offering some serious offers and deals.
This ranges from 25% off to buy-one-get-one-free deals, plus free meals for kids and plenty more.
Venues taking part in the Summer Scran Fest include Archie’s, Subway, Barburrito, Pizza Hut, HOP Vietnamese, Michaels Coffee House and plenty more.
And the leisure destinations within Manchester Arndale are getting stuck in too – think free drinks, combos and more at venues including King Pins and Urban Playground.
There are plenty of Manchester-born businesses getting involved and offering bargains to us all, like Archie’s giving out free soft serve when you spend £10, Barburrito offering a £10 meal deal (burrito, tortilla chips and a soft drink), and Lazy Sundae giving a free scoop of ice cream with any large drink purchase.
Big brand deals include a £5 meal deal at McDonald’s (4 Chicken McNuggets, Cheese burger or Mayo chicken; fries; and medium cold drink), and 25% off at Pizza Hut.
There’s 20% off at Sides in the Manchester Arndale Summer Scran FestLazy Sundae will do a free ice cream with a large drink purchase
Then there are newcomers to Manchester Arndale taking part in the Summer Scran Fest.
HOP, a new Vietnamese street food venue on Market Street, is doing 25% off, while Michaels Coffee House will knock 15% off their seasonal favourites like an Iced Maple Oat Matcha or an Iced Rose Coconut Matcha.
There’s also a 20% discount at Sides, the chicken shop backed by YouTube sensations Sidemen.
And as for leisure destinations – Urban Playground is doing 18 Holes of putters tech-infused mini golf, plus any three small plates from The Butcher menu for £28.20.
Kind Pins has 20% off food and drink, and Immersive Gamebox will do 20% off plus a free drink when you book a 60 or 30 minute gaming session.
Pick up a voucher booklet in the centre or download your offers from the Manchester Arndale website from 1 August.
The team behind Salford’s beloved Black Friar set to take over popular Chorlton pub
Danny Jones
The talented culinary team behind the stunning Black Friar pub in Salford are set to take over a new site at a historic old pub in Chorlton: the beloved Horse and Jockey.
As one of the longest-standing and most charming spots on Chorlton Green, The Horse and Jockey public house dates all the way back to 1512 and has remained a regular watering hole for native boozers since the 19th century.
Having been operated by legendary local beermasters, Joseph Holt Brewery, from 2012 onwards, it’s remained a popular spot for generations of punters and ‘The Inn of the Green’ is still the go-to for so many of those who live and work nearby.
Nevertheless, The Horse and Jockey is now set to be taken over by the duo who rebooted a fellow site of Manc hospitality heritage are turning their attention to a new gastropub project.
The Horse and Jockey Inn on the Green, Chorlton-cum-Hardy (Credit: Adam Bruderer via Flickr)
Announcing the redevelopment plans at the start of this month, owner Neil Burke and Executive Chef Ben Chaplin is set to oversee the next chapter for the 200-year-old community pub.
The current Black Friar team has been in place for just over four years now and has very quickly turned what used to be a casual working men’s boozer into a lovingly restored English pub and restaurant with a beautiful outdoor terrace and back garden.
Known for classic but elevated pub grub, proper homemade pies, regularly rotating seasonal menus, a carefully curated cocktail and drinks menu, along with the elegant updated interior, it’s come a long way from its rebirth in 2021.
Having proved their revitalising powers with the Grade II-listed building, which had sat derelict for more than a decade and a half, Burke is using his experience and knowledge as a local resident of the central Manchester suburb to bring a new lease of life to The Horse and Jockey.
Formerly a regional manager of the Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group, before teaming up with Chaplin to take on their own challenge, Chorlton Green’s treasured public house has been something he’s dreamed about for some time.
Speaking on the upcoming overhaul, Neil said: “Myself and Ben are champing at the bit to get the Horse and Jockey living up to its full potential. As with the Black Friar, we want to create a pub that heavily focuses on great British produce in a beautiful environment.
Neil and BenThe Black Friar stunned this past springCredit: Supplied/The Manc Eats
“We’re over the moon to be taking on a true suburban gem that’s all about the community. The Horse and Jockey will be a place where everyone is welcome, whether they’re popping in for a pint, having a roast after a leisurely Sunday walk, or throwing a bash to celebrate a milestone.”
Set to reopen following a major revamp this autumn, Joseph Holt will continue to run the cherished Chorlton pub in the interim while the refurbishments are completed.
Those passionate about keeping that authentic, traditional feel will also be glad to hear that original features like the bright white visage, wooden beams will be kept intact and complemented by a stripped-back decor, heritage colours and more cosy furnishings.
Looking to make this a more dining-led venue than just another bar that happens to serve food, they promise all the usual pub grub favourites, premium á la carte dishes, weekly specials and “a fresh take on The Black Friar’s legendary Sunday roasts.”
Better yet, there’ll still be Holt ales to be enjoyed as well as a new dedicated wine list designed specifically to pair with the new foodie lineup.
We can’t wait to see how it turns out, and you keep your eyes peeled HERE for more updates.
Emily Sergeant -
13th March 2024 
