New Manchester neighbourhood can now sell alcohol on their grounds

A newly built section of the city centre can now sell alcohol and provide live music and performances in its public spaces.

Residents living in the new area off Deansgate, named ‘St John’s Quarter’, can now buy alcohol and enjoy live music between 10am and 11pm. St Johns Estate Management Company Limited says it intends to put on different events ranging from music to plays, films and dance performances in the public areas around the new complex of offices, apartments and bars off Quay Street.

The mixture of apartment blocks and office space is just a stone’s throw from the recently upgraded Aviva Studios site – which the £1.35bn neighbourhood project was centred around.

Following the licensing meeting at the town hall on October 23, the new ‘neighbourhood’ has now taken another step towards becoming an area of enterprise, culture and living – a promise made after the project was approved in 2015.

The initial St John’s proposal initially included a plan for 2,500 apartments; three hotels comprising 350 to 400 rooms; a new riverside space with cycle ways; new green spaces; low rise buildings to be used by independent firms to create ‘a village vibe’; Factory International; and a revamped Bonded Warehouse.

Initial objections to the alcohol and music entertainment licence have been withdrawn, the meeting heard. Representative for St Johns Estate Management Company Limited, Rebecca Lowe, explained that the bin collection schedule had been amended as a compromise between the applicant and objectors was reached.

The area will now be able to sell alcohol and provide music within ‘the public realm areas’ of the area. This area includes the hotels and recreational space contained within the complex.