ONE of the UK’s fastest-growing leisure chains has unveiled its plans for a new entertainment hub in Manchester.

STACK – which has sites across the country – is to develop the former HATCH site beneath the Oxford Road flyover      .

And the result will be STACK Manchester; a dynamic blend of street food, bars, and live entertainment, housed in repurposed shipping containers over two levels.

The proposed development – which will be a permanent feature of the Oxford Road Corridor knowledge quarter landscape – has been designed with a gateway arch entrance from Oxford Road, leading to an expansive, open plaza surrounded by street food vendors and bars.

The design will incorporate ample glazing and pavement seating, creating a lively frontage that connects seamlessly with the street.

Central to the development is a large stage, which will be a focal point for daily live entertainment, ranging from family-friendly events and quiz nights to mass sing-alongs and dog shows.

The site layout also retains mature trees within a courtyard area, further enhancing the space’s ambiance.

In addition to the main plaza and entertainment stage, the development will include two new outward-facing retail units and a dual-aspect coffee shop. Retailers locating to Stack Manchester will be in good company, joining some of the most exciting eateries making headlines in the city at the adjacent Circle Square neighbourhood, including Manchester-favourite Onda Pasta Bar, North Tap Room, Federal Cafe Bar and recently announced Detroit Slims.

Former traders from HATCH are encouraged     to apply for a place in the new STACK Manchester and will be given priority during the selection process.

Neill Winch, CEO of STACK, expressed confidence in the new development, stating, “We believe this site is the perfect fit for our concept, and we’re excited to bring our blend of street food, bars, and live entertainment to Manchester.

“Subject to planning approval being granted, we are confident STACK Manchester will become a much-loved venue for local residents as well as a successful visitor attraction.”

The project is expected to create 160 full and part-time jobs, contributing to the local economy and offering new opportunities for small businesses to thrive.

The     business currently operates three sites – STACK Seaburn in Sunderland, STACK Lincoln and St James STACK in Newcastle, created in partnership with Newcastle United FC.

Other projects in the pipeline include a second site in Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Whitley Bay, Durham, Bishop Auckland, Carlisle, Northampton, Leeds, Wigan and Sheffield.