The last two bars on Deansgate Locks, Ark and Popworld, will close for good on July 19, marking the end of an iconic nightlife era in Manchester. The venues, owned by Stonegate, are shutting down due to no longer being 'commercially viable', according to the company.
A Personal Memory of Deansgate Locks
For many Mancunians, Deansgate Locks holds a special place in their hearts. Greta Simpson, a Senior Reporter at the Manchester Evening News, recalls her memories of the Ark nightclub in August 2017, during an A Level results day lock-in. She describes the packed basement, sweat dripping from the walls, and the thrill of seeing friends one last time before university. The venue's strict dress code—heels only for women—and the security guards' enforcement added to the experience.
The Decline of a Nightlife Hub
The closure of Ark and Popworld follows a trend of venues shutting down at Deansgate Locks. Dianne Bourne, a colleague of Simpson, previously reported that a planning report found 'widespread' water ingress in the Victorian structures, affecting their viability. The area, once a bustling nightlife destination since its conversion in the late 1990s, now resembles a ghost town on weekends.
Other Venues That Have Closed
Over the years, several popular venues have closed at Deansgate Locks, including Baa Bar, the Sugar Lounge, Loaf, Sakura, and El Diablo. These were sites for hen dos, work parties, freshers' nights, and results day celebrations, often frequented by Manchester United players and Love Island stars.
Changing Nightlife Trends
The decline of Deansgate Locks reflects broader trends in nightlife. Statistics show that people are drinking less and going out less, partly due to inflation and the lasting impact of COVID-19, which accustomed many to staying home. However, Simpson notes that other areas of Manchester, such as Peter Street, Stevenson Square, and the Northern Quarter, are still thriving. Venues like Dirty Martini, Revolucion de Cuba, and Albert's Schloss are often packed, and ticketed events at Idra, Ambers, Loft, and the Warehouse Project regularly sell out.
Hope for the Future
A Manchester councillor has vowed to approach the site owners for answers about the future of Deansgate Locks, telling the MEN: 'We can't let it go derelict and die.' Simpson remains optimistic, stating: 'I think people still want to dance—just possibly not quite so often, and in slightly more comfortable shoes.' The resilience of Manchester's nightlife scene suggests that while the Locks may be closing, the city's spirit of celebration endures.
