Manchester bids goodbye to beloved market after 50 years of trading

This weekend will mark the end of an era as Manchester bids farewell to the iconic Church Street Market, a bustling outdoor market that has been a cornerstone of the city centre for over 50 years.

Situated between the Northern Quarter and the Arndale, the market is set to close its doors for good on Saturday, September 14th, making way for a new wave of development in the rapidly gentrifying area.

Church Street Market

Known for its eclectic mix of traders, the market has long been a destination for locals and visitors alike, offering everything from fresh produce at McCall’s Greengrocers and Organics to literary treasures at Manchester Bookbuyers.

At its peak, the market even housed Northern Soul, the UK’s first grilled cheese restaurant, before it relocated to Tib Street in 2019.

Now, only three beloved stalls remain—McCall’s Fruit and Veg, McCall’s Organics, and Manchester Bookbuyers—but their time is running out as the bulldozers loom large.

The site, despite its name, is technically located on High Street.

What will replace Church Street Markets?

It has been earmarked for the construction of a 22-storey building that will feature 361 apartments, approved in 2020 following a planning application first submitted in 2018.

The new development will also see the demolition of nearby units on 20-22 and 24-36 High Street, making way for commercial spaces on the ground floor designed for shops, restaurants, and takeaways.

For many Mancunians, the market stalls along Church Street have been a familiar and cherished sight, offering an alternative shopping experience in a city increasingly dominated by corporate chains and luxury developments.

However, as development continues to reshape Manchester’s skyline, it seems even the most cherished corners of the city aren’t immune to change.

The tall, empty tower block looming above the market will soon transform into another high-rise apartment complex, further cementing the shift in the city’s landscape.

Last day’s trading is Saturday!

Shoppers are encouraged to visit the market one last time this weekend, not just to support the remaining traders but to bid farewell to a piece of Manchester’s history.

The closure of Church Street Market highlights the ongoing tensions between preserving the city’s unique character and accommodating its rapid urban growth—a dilemma at the heart of Manchester’s gentrification debate.