For many of us, the thought of Deansgate Locks brings us right back to the good old uni days, when the likes of Ark, Lola Lo and Revolution were the go-to for many a student looking for a good time that didn’t break the bank. Fast forward to 2026, and it has been announced that both Ark and Popworld are closing as of this weekend, spelling the end for Deansgate Locks as we know it.
Sure, plenty of beloved clubs and bars have closed around Manchester recently, including MAYA and the announcement that the iconic White Hotel will cease to exist after the New Year, but for many, Deansgate Locks is a real symbol of nightlife in Manchester – the kind of raucous, cheesy nightlife that our younger years wouldn’t be complete without.
According to Manchester Mill, both Ark and Popworld are operated by Stonegate, with the pub conglomerate citing both clubs being “no longer commercially viable” as the reason for their closure. Although the clubs will be gone, Lock 91 will remain, but being a 19th century lock keeper’s cottage, the pub isn’t officially counted as part of the Locks ‘strip’, as it were.
What will happen to Deansgate Locks?
The strip below Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop is packed with character, with the old clubs having been housed each within a railway arch, so we would imagine the plots will get snapped up quickly.
This area in particular is undergoing constant change, what with being so close to Deansgate Towers and the area across the road having been raised to the ground ready for development. Whether Deansgate Locks remains in the clutches of hospitality – perhaps more of a cafe or restaurant offering – or undergoes development for residential or commercial purposes (being just next to the Viadux development), the location is a real hot commodity.
Of course, we’ll be keeping an eye on this, but for now we bid farewell to an icon of Manchester nightlife – we’ll miss your sticky floors and five shots for £5.
