NOMA is a growing neighbourhood filled with creativity, hospitality, and innovation, all in the heart of Manchester city centre.
We’re delighted to introduce Abby Moore, Managing Director of New Century – a cornerstone of NOMA’s vibrant neighbourhood. Here, you’ll discover an independent music venue, an ever evolving food hall, and a creative music school, all breaking new ground inside a legendary 1960s venue.
Since its original construction for the Co-op back in 1963, this historic spot has earned its place in Manchester’s Hall of Fame, hosting legendary names like The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and The Bee Gees. And today, we toast its rebirth as the unforgettable venue continues to write a new chapter in its history as part of NOMA’s growing neighbourhood.
We asked founder and Managing Director Abby Moore to tell us more about the venue…
How would you describe New Century?
New Century is so much more than a physical building – we see it as a three-storey ecosystem. On the first floor is the iconic Hall, a 1,300-person capacity music venue that breathes even more life into Manchester’s vibrant and eclectic music scene, hosting future stars making their break, bands drawing the curtain on their story, and everyone in between. With original acoustics, a disco ceiling lighting that mesmerises, and the sprung dancefloor, our events are unforgettably characterful, creating an atmosphere you never want to leave. It’s not all music though, our space lends itself to a range of events, including 360º art-battles and wrestling, just to name just a few.
Below the gig venue is the Kitchen, a food hall that brings a new sense of community to the NOMA neighbourhood. With its rotating selection of independent food vendors, each bursting from the seams with talent, the Kitchen truly bolsters up-and-coming chefs, helping them to develop into successful business owners as well as culinary maestros. Through ever changing, culturally curated menus and exciting concept kitchens, we look to ‘grow with’ our traders, and help them achieve their goals. Don’t be fooled however, the Kitchen is not just a food hall. Putting on weekly events with the community in mind, we’re always looking at how we can bring people together and become the social hub that Manchester deserves.
In the basement is the always inspiring dBs Institute, an independent training provider for creative industries. This tucked away, state-of-the-art Manchester campus is a hidden gem in the city. It nurtures emerging artistic talent for generations to come, educating 18–24-year-olds, and laying down a pathway for younger creators to thrive. Being part of the New Century family opens doors for students, from opportunities to perform at Kitchen, to practising and taking lessons up in the hall, even shadowing our production team on live events. The relationship is designed to nurture the talent of tomorrow and provide the best possible platform for success.
Altogether, New Century is incredible people and bustling culture – all under one roof!
How did New Century come about?
The idea sparked when the building’s landlords were seeking out an innovative occupier to continue the legacy of this 1960s events space.
A team of local entrepreneurs with different backgrounds and skills, including Atul Bansal, Andy Timms, Adrian Armstrong, Steve Pilling, and myself, united to transform the building into the New Century concept we know today.
We sought to create an electric cultural venue and food & beverage offering that celebrated the building’s heritage, all while integrating with NOMA’s growing community. Every time I walk in the venue, I get chills. There was a real desire to bring something magical to this unjustly neglected space. And that’s exactly what we have done.
Why did you choose to locate in NOMA?
We totally bought into the neighbourhood aspect of it – it’s who we are. And since settling in, we’ve become a modern town hall for NOMA. We’ve used Sadler’s Yard for community events and are always looking to work with other like-minded businesses and organisations, including hosting Manchester Metropolitan University’s Fashion Institute’s fashion show and the Festival of Enterprise over the summer. The potential is phenomenal to create a real thriving neighbourhood.
That’s without even touching on our fantastic location near Victoria Station, the area’s stunning architecture spanning centuries, and NOMA’s placemaking vision. It all really resonated with the New Century team’s community-driven ethos. When you say it like that, it’s no surprise we were drawn to NOMA’s cooperative roots.
NOMA has created a genuine neighbourhood feeling between us and the other businesses here, you can still feel all those values of cooperation and collaboration today. There’s always a welcoming energy in the air.
How do you see New Century as part of NOMA’s future?
We want to be everything our community needs and more. We want to entertain, build teams, and be memorable. When you have a collaborative mindset, the?impossible becomes achievable and who knows what wonderful things could happen!
From partnering with nearby roasters to providing opportunities with the dBs Institute – we’re so excited to work with all the local businesses to develop a thriving and attractive economic area. Somewhere that neighbourhood isn’t just talked about but felt in your bones.
The possibilities at NOMA know no bounds, and we’re so thrilled to be part of that.
With New Century as a cultural anchor, people have started to take note of NOMA as a go-to destination with real soul… not only within the city but across the country!
Get a taste of the action at newcenturymcr.com, where you can book a table and browse our upcoming live events.
