The Arch Company has received approval to transform disused spaces beneath Manchester’s viaduct on Corporation Street into a vibrant hub for restaurants, shops, and businesses. This initiative is a crucial part of their ambitious £200 million Project 1,000, aiming to repurpose a thousand underutilized or abandoned units across England and Wales by 2030.

The project will see 32,000 square feet of space, currently lying idle beneath the viaduct, revamped into a series of commercial ventures. These spaces, which vary in size from 740 to 6,000 square feet, are strategically located within the sprawling £4 billion Victoria North regeneration scheme. This extensive development is a collaboration between Manchester City Council and the Far East Consortium, aiming to rejuvenate the area.

The 10 arches targeted for redevelopment are part of a viaduct that supports rail and Metrolink services extending from Manchester Victoria station. This area marks a boundary between the Red Bank neighbourhood within the Victoria North scheme and Meadowside, a recently finished residential project by FEC comprising 756 homes.

The Corporation Street transformation is expected to play a pivotal role in linking Manchester’s city centre to the emerging Victoria North neighbourhood as the 20-year masterplan unfolds.

SGP, an architectural firm with expertise in unconventional projects, is leading the design efforts for the Corporation Street arches. Alan Soper, a studio director at SGP, emphasized the unique challenge posed by these spaces, noting the importance of technical skill and experience in adapting them for modern use.

In addition to the Manchester project, SGP and The Arch Company are collaborating on a similar venture in Salford, aiming to convert another 10 railway arches on Norton Street. This is part of the broader regeneration efforts in the Greengate area, further demonstrating the potential of these historic structures to contribute to urban renewal and economic growth.