This weekend marks the end of an era in Manchester as the final two nightclubs on Deansgate Locks—Ark and Popworld—close their doors for good. The closures bring nearly three decades of revelry on the once-thriving entertainment strip to an end.
The 12 former railway arches of Deansgate Locks were converted into bars and clubs in the late 1990s, becoming a hotspot in the 2000s. Iconic venues like Baa Bar, Sugar Lounge, Sakura, Revolution, The Comedy Store, and Lola Lo's once packed in crowds. However, for the past 18 months, only Ark and Popworld remained, both owned by the Stonegate Group.
Earlier Closure Than Planned
Ark confirmed its closure earlier this month, followed by Popworld. Initially, both planned to stay open until Sunday, July 18, to host World Cup final watch parties. But after England's dramatic semi-final defeat to Argentina, the clubs will now close on Saturday, July 18—the final night of operation.
Ark will open from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. on both Friday and Saturday, while Popworld will be open 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Friday and 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Saturday.
Reasons for Decline
A spokesperson for Stonegate said: “The hospitality sector continues to face significant challenges. After careful consideration, and despite our best efforts, Ark & Popworld Manchester are no longer commercially viable and we have taken the difficult decision to close the venues. Our priority is to support our hard-working team during this time, and we would like to thank them for their commitment and dedication. We would also like to thank our guests and the local community for their support over the years.”
Last year, the Manchester Evening News reported on the decline of Deansgate Locks, citing a shift in nightlife habits, the cost-of-living crisis, and damp issues in the Grade II-listed structure. Water ingress remains a pressing problem, with a planning application submitted in March for listed building consent to repair the 19th-century brick arches.
Future of the Site
Lawyers Schroders act on behalf of the owners, listed as SWIPACS1 in planning documents, believed to be Scottish Widows. The Manchester Evening News has made numerous attempts to contact the owners but has received no response.
The closures leave the Locks empty for at least the rest of the summer. Manchester Council has expressed interest in meeting with the owners to discuss next steps and the wider plan for the building.
