It’s the end of the line for bar under arches

OWNER SAYS VENUE HAS ‘NO REAL FUTURE’ UNDER PLANS TO SELL OFF MANY OF THE CITY’S RAIL ARCHES

REDBANKCO in the Green Quarter is set to close next week, saying it has ‘no real future’ under Network Rail’s plans to sell off its railway arches around Manchester.

The bar and brunch spot, which also houses pop-up art exhibitions and events, will throw one final party to say goodbye to the neighbourhood next weekend.

The two-storey space has hosted dozens of supper clubs and one-off events, including the occasional wedding, as well as running its own quiz nights.

RedBankCo will also host a yard sale as part of its send-off next weekend, selling off (or giving away) all the glassware, handmade furniture, light fixtures and even the faux plants that adorn the frontage.

Owner Pete Sheppard said: “It will probably be a bit of a shell of a space by then, but we’ll have a pop-up bar just like the old days, the pizza oven will be fired up, we’ll definitely have some sort of music going on too.

“It’s basically going to have a massive community vibe and be one big send-off.”

When Pete acquired the space on Redbank, he intended to use it solely as a photography studio. The popularity of his pop-up events prompted him to expand the business to include a bar and a food offering - but he worries about the future of the area with Network Rail selling off many arches. Pete says he has been unable to extend the lease on his site to a five or 10-year length, which he claims has affected his ability to seek additional investment for the business. The railway arches along Redbank aren’t part of Network Rail’s current sale, but Pete said: “I have accepted that RedBankCo has no real future. This is the reason I have decided to call it a day.” Network Rail recently agreed a deal worth almost £1.5 billion with investment giants Blackstone and Telereal Trillium for the sale of the railway arches. Pete will leave behind neighbours including Three Rivers Gin, which hosts ‘gin school’ evenings where attendees can brew their own gin. Network Rail has yet to respond to the M.E.N.’s request for a comment. Graham Edwards, co-founder and chairman of Telereal, added: “We intend to remain particularly sensitive to the small businesses that have been long-term tenants of the Network Rail estate.”

I have accepted RedBankCo has no real future. I have decided to call it a day RedBankCo owner Pete Sheppard