The forgotten old market hall set to be transformed with levelling up cash
- Written by Thom Bamford
- Last updated 11 months ago
- Business, City of Manchester, Community, History, People, Property & Planning
Lower Campfield Market, on Liverpool Road in Manchester, is an iconic structure that has woven itself into the city’s historical fabric.
But let’s be honest, it’s been overdue for ‘a bit of love’ for a while now.
In more recent times, it has been used by the Science and Industry Museum, housing the Air and Space Hall until its closure in 2021.
Lower Campfield Market
And now the deal has been struck for the site to take on a transformative journey.
Manchester City Council has forged legal agreements with development partner Allied London for the restoration, refurbishment, and outfitting of the Grade II-listed Upper Campfield Market and Lower Campfield Market buildings.
A £17.5m investment
This ambitious project, fuelled by £17.5m of Levelling Up funding, envisions a modern hub for burgeoning media and tech firms.
The scheme is a pivotal step towards rejuvenating these heritage buildings, fostering innovation and creativity within the St. John’s locale.
The plans unveiled propose the birth of the Campfield tech, media, and creative industries hub, to be managed by All Work & Social on its managed workspace platform.
Adding to the initiative, Castlefield House, owned by Allied London, will undergo repositioning to offer complementary workspace for tech and media businesses, aligning with the overarching masterplan.
The History of Lower Campfield Market
The Lower Campfield Market Hall, `a beautiful building, was completed in 1878 as an open-sided market hall at Camp Field.
Over time, it evolved, closing its doors as a market in 1900.
Subsequent renovations in 1909 transformed it into the illustrious City Exhibition Hall, a beacon of excellence in enclosed, adaptable structures.
Campfield, a key player in the Culture In The City project, secured nearly £20m of Government Levelling Up funding in 2021, with a portion earmarked for the conversion of heritage railway arches into a creative talent development centre operated by HOME.
Anticipated as a magnet for start-ups, recovery, and scale-up businesses in the tech, innovation, and media sectors, Campfield will offer 83,000 sq ft of modern workspace.
This includes a minimum of 400 hot desks, meeting rooms, event spaces, and various facilities accessible on both a permanent occupier and drop-in basis.
Excitingly, on January 8, the venue received approval for the provision of alcohol and late-night refreshments within the co-working space, marking a significant milestone in the project.
With construction already underway, Campfield is slated for completion by spring 2024.
Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig said: “Campfield is an exciting initiative which will see these two heritage buildings help play a dynamic part in Manchester’s future, giving innovative businesses an affordable place to flourish and helping to create the jobs of tomorrow.
“Having a location in the heart of the city centre, as part of a cluster of similar businesses, will create an environment where tech, media and creative entrepreneurs – whether they are starting up or scaling up – can network and share inspiration.
“Manchester has always been a city of innovation and creativity. Campfield will help ensure it continues to be.”
You can find out more on the council website by clicking here
- This article was last updated 11 months ago.
- It was first published on 13 January 2023 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.
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