Residents living next to Manchester's Diecast venue say they have faced years of public urination, drugs, and late-night disruption, describing the experience as a 'nightmare' and feeling 'badly let down' by Manchester City Council.
Residents' complaints
Meena Shah, 65, who bought her apartment more than 20 years ago with her husband Maged Selim, said the venue has 'made life quite hellish' and that they feel 'powerless'. The couple say they cannot stay in their flat most weekends due to 'constant' bass and screaming, and have spent money on hotels or staying with family.
Daniel Tischer, 40, who bought a flat near Diecast in 2020, said: 'It's not just the noise from the music, but it's the bass as well. It's been a nightmare since it opened, it has continuously caused issues and we've lost neighbours because of it. It's just been getting progressively worse.'
Council and venue response
Manchester City Council said its licensing officers have visited the venue more than 100 times since it opened, which it described as 'unprecedented'. Officers have witnessed noise escaping on a small number of occasions and worked with operators to reduce levels, but these instances were not assessed as a statutory nuisance requiring a noise abatement notice.
A council spokesperson said: 'In Manchester we have a very responsive Licensing Out of Hours team that reacts quickly to complaints and engages in real time with venues to manage issues and ensure compliance.' The council encouraged residents to use its Out of Hours phone line so officers can attend quickly to witness noise levels.
Planning and future
Residents have questioned how the 2022 planning application, which promised a bakery and gym, differs from the current venue. The council said not all approved uses have been realised but that this does not undermine the planning process. Long-term, the area is set for major regeneration, including 1,400 new homes and a new purpose-built hospitality venue.
Diecast was approached for comment but had not provided a response by the time of publication.
