We can’t get enough of the food halls here in Manchester. From Mackie Mayor to Hatch, Altrincham Market to Society, Greater Manchester is brimming with food and drink hubs, however word on the street is there are more to come. Not only will Oldham’s Old Town Hall be transformed into one, but another food hall located in the Manchester area of Spinningfields known as Shipyard.
Last year, the news of Boxpark, the world’s very first pop-up dining and shopping destination, heading to Manchester caused quite the stir, however plans are now in motion for the same developer behind Boxpark, Allied London, has submitted a planning application to Manchester City Council. Set to open by the River Irwell, Shipyard will take up residence by the junction of Water Street and New Quay Street on the edge of St John’s masterplan (Entreprise City).
The new 29,400 sq ft (2,730 sq m) food and drink hall plans to open up onto the newly proposed public realm with views back to the former Granada Studios Headquarters and is located close to the highly-anticipated venue Factory International. Designed by architects 3D Reid, Shipyard will take inspiration from Manchester’s Mackie Mayor, as well as large European markets like Kyiv Food Market and Time Out Market in Lisbon.
Early plans show industrial features made of materials such as metal and timber as well as painted artwork being part of the aesthetic for the exterior. Designs submitted to the local council also show three floors, including a car park on the ground floor and a mezzanine level, featuring a terrace, private dining space, a stage for events and plant rooms in addition to multiple kitchens and bars.
According to Allied London: “Shipyard will become an exciting, buzzing destination in the evenings and at weekends for Manchester and the region with a mix of permanent artisan vendors and rolling smaller stalls for variety, creating an eclectic and well curated destination.
“Shipyard will be a must-see foodie paradise that will pride itself on the ‘theatre of food and beverage’ offering a range of interesting outlets to create pockets of discovery. The concept will also create a new market subculture for Manchester with active programming and a mix of street food and more artisanal concepts to cater for everyone.”
Plans for food hall Shipyard have been submitted to Manchester City Council and can be found using the reference number 136041/FO/2023.