Mayfield Park: new Manchester city centre park to host live events despite noise concerns from neighbours

Manchester city centre’s first new park in more than 100 years has been given the green light to hold events despite concerns from neighbours about noise.

Mayfield Park, which is set to open to the public this autumn, has been granted a licence for live music, film screenings and other events throughout the year.

Alcohol can also be sold on the 6.5 acre site near Piccadilly Station until 11pm.

Eight residents who live nearby objected to the application, raising concerns about late night noise, drunkenness and anti-social behaviour at the new park.

But speaking on behalf of the Mayfield Development Partnership, Jon Drape told a licensing hearing that the hours could be amended later down the line.

He said: “Just because we’ve got a licence until 11pm, doesn’t mean that we would operate until 11pm. Far from it.

“There are no events planned for the park as it stands. This just gives us the opportunity to stage events.”

Mr Drape said that the reason for requesting a licence is so that community events can take place at the new park which will be open 365 days a year.

He said that ensuring there is no impact on residents is ‘very important’.

However, the objectors – none of whom attended the hearing on Monday (5 September) – argued against the application in their representations.

Writing to Manchester city council’s licensing team, they complained about noisy events lasting late into the night which can be heard from their properties.

Some supported the principle of events being held at the park, but argued against the licence lasting until 11pm on weeknights as well as weekends.

Nevertheless, representing Mayfield, Felicity Tulloch of Kuits Solicitors said any events with more than 2,000 people must be planned with the council.

Councillors on the licensing panel approved the application with conditions.

Heaton Park licence

They also agreed to grant a premises licence for the Lakeside Café at Heaton Park, allowing alcohol to be sold on the site from 11am to 11pm every day.

Speaking on behalf of Deep Beat Entertainment Ltd, Phil Blair explained that the licence would allow customers to order alcoholic drinks with their meals.

However, he confirmed that customers would not be required to order food.

One resident objected to the application “in the strongest possible terms”, claiming it would be a “total sell out of the local community for financial gain”.

But the licensing panel approved the application with the agreed conditions.