If you’re wandering around the Northern Quarter or doing some shopping at the Arndale Centre, chances are you’ll have seen Church Street Market, even if you didn’t realise what it was. Having stood for over 50 years at the bottom of a characteristic 60s tower block in Manchester City centre, it’s time to say goodbye to Church Street Market for good as it’s set to close its doors for the final time this weekend.
Housing several independent businesses selling books, fresh produce and even previously launching grilled cheese spot Northern Soul into the mainstream, Church Street Market has become beloved by the people of Manchester. Even those who don’t buy from the markets have an affinity with it, with the local market traders providing a homely atmosphere and a lovely piece of familiarity for everyone who walks past.
Those who do buy from Church Street Market, though, will feel this loss the most. Customers of Manchester Bookbuyers, Afro Caribbean Asian, McCalls greengrocers and McCalls Organics will have to start searching elsewhere for their next favourite spots, and the stall owners somewhere else to trade from.
The building Church Street Market are housed in, at 20-22 and 24-36 High Street, is set to be demolished and redeveloped after being bought by investment and development firm MRP in 2020 for £8million. The market has been earmarked for a 22-storey building featuring 361 apartments, including commercial floorspace on the ground floor for shops, restaurants and takeaways.
McCalls has been in business for more than 53 years and has been based at the Church Street Market for over 20 years. Posting on Instagram earlier this month, the owners of McCalls Organics wrote: “This too shall pass. Our site is to be developed and with no suitable premises to go to, we will be closing the shutters for the final time on 14th of September.”
We will most definitely miss this stalwart of Manchester life, and we sincerely hope all traders find a new home to serve their loyal customers.
You can visit Church Street Market until the shutters come down on Saturday 14 September, when it’ll close for good.
📍 From 1 Church St, Manchester M4 1PN.