Manchester’s newest music and food venue opens its doors at NOMA

8 August 2022

Set in the heart of city centre neighbourhood NOMA, Manchester’s New Century will reopen its doors for the first time since the 1960’s.

The Grade II-listed New Century Hall was a key part of the Manchester music scene, and during the 60s and 70s hosted gigs from music icons like Jimi Hendrix, Tina Turner, the Rolling Stones, and The Bee Gees. NOMA has now restored the concert venue, keeping its wood panelling, its original sprung dancefloor and its backlit ceiling.

As part of the £10 million redevelopment works, the bottom floor of the new music and events venue has been turned into a food hall, with a host of the North’s best-in-class food operators having residencies.

Opening in August, the food hall will seat up to 300 people, with food vendors including Zumuku Sushi, Ply, chef Tom Lowe, Banh Vi, BaoBros23 and Adam Reid’s ‘posh butties’.

Working with music promoters Now Wave, NOMA has carefully curated a full programme of live and music and events will commence in September.
The space has been designed to inspire creativity and collaboration and will also spill outside onto Sadler’s Yard for al fresco dining, drinking and regular events.

In addition to food and beverage, New Century Hall will also be home to Access Creative College, an established national college specialising in kick starting careers in the creative industries. Given its successful music, games and media college already on Oxford Road, its third outpost in the city will offer degree-level courses in music, games and computing.

Dan Hyde, Investment Director at MEPC, said: “The long term vision for the NOMA neighbourhood is a place where people will come to work, live and play. Through the continued development of the first operationally net zero building, 4 Angel Square, we are successfully delivering first-in-class, green office space in the heart of Manchester’s city centre, which will provide the ‘work’ element.

“New Century Hall is going to play an integral role in our ‘play’ offering across the entire NOMA estate. Having regular events and diners within the neighbourhood will undoubtedly create a buzz around Sadler’s Yard, but most importantly enhance the sense community across NOMA.

“Alongside new developments, like 4 Angel Square, we are really lucky to have an array of different listed, architecturally-inspiring buildings. The redevelopment works that have been completed at New Century Hall have successfully embraced and protected its rich heritage, whilst ensuring its green credentials are bolstered to secure its long term future.”