The Oast House to become permanent Spinningfields fixture after revamp

A long-term lease arrangement has been secured for one of Manchester’s most popular alfresco drinking and eating spots.

The Oast House originally opened as a ‘pop-up’ pub six years ago, then became a permanent fixture of Spinningfields.

Owners The New World Trading Company and Allied London have been working to secure agreement with Manchester city council to keep the building, which was developed in the form of a Kentish oast house.

The most striking change will be the removal of the famous white canopy to allow for sunshine to fill the terrace and a raised fire pit will sit directly in front of the Oast House main building.

The stage, which has hosted Spinfest and many more live gigs, will be re-positioned on the opposite side to where it currently is – to in front of Flannels –  to create more space for customers to enjoy the sunshine.

Two permanent outdoor bars will be added, with additional customer toilets and heated canopies and the whole outside area will benefit from extensive landscaping throughout.

It will be designed by acclaimed Barcelona-based landscape architects Arriola & Fiol.

Planning has also been submitted for the permanent redevelopment of Crown Square which will see a dramatic change to how the space currently looks.

Allied London design director David Drews said: “The design builds a story around the Oast House and cleverly links it to the surrounding civic buildings and offices of Spinningfields in a way that feels dignified and poetic.”

Work is set to begin in January and be completed by next spring.