A brand new rental development that’s bringing the ‘co-living’ concept to Manchester city centre is nearing completion, as Square Gardens launches a show apartment giving a look inside its beautiful spaces.
The scheme between First Street and the Mancunian Way will provide more than 1,772 new homes, and will boast one of the largest outdoor green spaces in the city.
There’s a mixture of accommodation options too, from shared three to five bed co-living apartments to one-bed and studio apartments.
The co-living concept means that you can rent your own en-suite bedroom within a shared apartment. Renting a whole apartment solo can be intimidatingly expensive, so co-living is a much more accessible way to get yourself a foothold in the city centre.
It works much like student halls, but with considerably less alcopops (unless you’re still into those…)
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The spaces have been carefully designed to maximise space too, and come fully furnished.
One of the bedrooms in a co-living apartmentOne of the bedrooms in a co-living apartmentOne of the double bedrooms in the co-living apartments at Square Gardens in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupBedroom options in Square Gardens’ co-living apartments. Credit: The Manc Group
Each en-suite room has huge wardrobes, under-bed storage and desks with more built-in storage.
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The apartments boast high specification living spaces with light, fresh and contemporary design with beautiful furniture pieces. Features include integrated appliances, comfortable living spaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the southern side of Manchester city centre.
Then if you do want your own space completely to yourself, there are one-bedroom apartments and studios where you have your own kitchenette, bedroom and bathroom.
Each monthly rental fee includes all your utilities, super-fast WiFi, and access to the shared amenities across the neighbourhood.
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CGIs of how Square Gardens will look on completion. Credit: SuppliedCGIs of how Square Gardens will look on completion. Credit: SuppliedCGIs of how Square Gardens will look upon completion. Credit: Supplied
Square Gardens amenities for residents include a gym, wellness centre, and co-working spaces.
There are also lounges, a cinema room and a private dining area that you can book.
And the whole development is being built inside what will be the largest private landscaped garden in Manchester at 2.5 acres – which as those of us who already live in the city centre know, is a huge selling point.
There’ll be a series of community events, activities and clubs held for residents of Square Gardens, all year round.
The co-living kitchen inside the apartmentsCo-living shared apartments at Square GardensCommunal areas in Square Gardens’ co-living apartments. Credit: The Manc Group
Square Gardens is set to be the largest co-living development in the UK when it opens this September.
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The first phase of the Square Gardens development, known as Acer, is where the show apartment is located and is now available to view.
The Liquor Store is putting together the perfect package for Oasis fans heading to Heaton Park
Danny Jones
Manchester bar The Liquor Store is putting together the ultimate pre and post-gig package ahead of the Live ’25 Oasis reunion shows, perfect for anyone heading to Heaton Park for the momentous series of shows.
The brilliant Manc boozer, which borders Blackfriars Street and the edge of Deansgate, has been a popular spot both before and after nearby concerts for years, so it’s no surprise that they’re getting involved with the shows of the century.
With Oasis set to play a whopping five nights at Heaton Park this summer, people are already trying to figure out their plans for the big day(s), with fans flocking from all over the country to see them wherever they could manage to get tickets, especially at this massive outdoor show.
Good job the Liquor lads and ladies have you sorted.
Set to run ‘The Masterplan’ service (very good) for each of Oasis‘ huge hometown shows throughout July, The Liquor Store are making sure gig-goers get to the venue without any trouble and get plenty of time to get in the mood beforehand.
As well as a good old party afterwards, of course.
Offering a comprehensive concert package, complete with coach travel to Heaton Park, not to mention bottomless beer and pizza from 2-3pm when you’re in the bar itself, this music-obsessed bar is set to be the perfect place to fuel and carry on the Britpop party afterwards.
Littered with music memorabilia and images of local bands like the Burnage boys themselves, plus an absolutely unreal playlist of Oasis classics all day and all night, it’s the ideal setting to get you in the mood for the day.
There’ll also be a DJ set from much-loved local Jon Lowe from midday onwards. Oh yeah, and complimentary bucket hats and tambourines for wristband holders should help the good vibes along too.
Better still, even for those not buying ‘The Masterplan’ ticket – which includes the bus to the location and as much suds and scran as you can muster – entry to the venue for the before and after-parties is completely free. After all, it’s still a popular city centre watering hole whether Oasis are in town or not.
As for the coach, the service will depart at 4:30pm and is set to leave Heaton Park around 11:15pm, heading straight back to The Liquor Store, of course.
Ticket holders will be issued with a wristband that will allow them entry onto the coach and access to the bottomless scran and bevs. If you’re not on that bus 10 minutes before they set off, you will be left behind, unfortunately.
With that in mind, tickets are very limited, with less than 50 spots to secure, so if you want to be a part of the ultimate pre-drinks and post-gig party, you’d better act fast.
You can grab yours and find out the full terms and conditions HERE.
The massively underrated rooftop terrace in Manchester with great views and top cocktails
Daisy Jackson
Manchester city centre is generally STARVED of outdoor space, but we’ve found the perfect sun-soaked oasis where you can enjoy a bit of fresh air and a whole lot of great food and drinks.
Tucked up on the sixth floor of the award-winning boutique hotel King Street Townhouse, you’ll find a rooftop terrace with beautiful views of the city’s skyline.
As Manchester buzzes along beneath you, you can tuck in to everything from full charcuterie grazing boards to seasonal snacks and small plates, all served alongside an impressive wine and cocktail list.
This often-overlooked local spot is a firm favourite of those in the know, thanks to its sheltered location that basks in the sun all afternoon.
And although it’s in a prime city centre location, just a stone’s throw from Deansgate, St Peter’s Square and Market Street, it’s a luxurious escape from it all – as is the entire boutique hotel it’s part of.
Whether it’s a post-work social, a relaxed date night, or a cheeky afternoon cocktail, the King Street Townhouse Terrace is open to the public and available for walk-ins or bookings when it isn’t privately hired.
On the menu you can expect locally-sourced dishes like Pollen sourdough served with whipped butter, a meat or cheese grazing board loaded with British produce, and larger plates like a beef and bone marrow burger or a fried fish roll topped with crisps.
British charcuterie grazing boardSpritzes on the King Street Townhouse terrace
Pairing perfectly with a spritz or a beer are snacks like deep-fried Gordal olives, stuffed with fennel sausage, and a brioche garlic bread packed with cream cheese.
The hotel has a cocktail list that celebrates classic drinks and a few of their own signature concoctions, and it doesn’t feel much more luxurious than when you treat yourself to a glass of sky-high champagne with views like this.
The South Terrace can also be hired privately for leisure or corporate events, with tailored catering options including summer BBQs.
And you can ramp up your trip to this oasis by staying overnight in one of the boutique hotels’ rooms, or visiting the King Street Townhouse ESPA spa for a treatment.
Find out more about the terrace at King Street Townhouse HERE.
The terrace at King Street Townhouse hotelThe terrace at King Street Townhouse hotelDeep-fried olivesGarlic bread with creamed cheeseKing Street Townhouse hotel
Daisy Jackson -
20th March 2024 
