Bosses at the former Hatch street food hub on Oxford Road have issued an update after the venue remained closed for nearly three years. The once-thriving hub, which operated from 2017 to September 2023, was taken over by leisure chain STACK, which had planned to refurbish the site into an entertainment hub by the end of 2024. However, delays have left the site vacant, with its HATCH signage still visible behind hoardings.
Revised plans submitted after 'unforeseen site constraints'
STACK has now revealed that original plans had to be redesigned due to 'unforeseen site constraints'. A spokesperson said: 'STACK remains fully committed to Manchester and, while progress has taken longer than originally anticipated, this has been due to unforeseen site constraints which required a redesign of the scheme.' A revised planning application is being submitted to Manchester City Council by the end of this week, according to the company.
The new plans aim to deliver a 'dynamic' blend of street food, bars, and live entertainment in repurposed shipping containers over two levels, creating 160 full and part-time jobs. STACK also confirmed that former Hatch traders will be given priority when the recruitment process begins.
Former traders express disappointment
Chef Caroline Martins, who ran Rio Mex at Hatch from February 2023 until its closure, called the delay 'heartbreaking'. She told the Manchester Evening News: 'When we were told we had to move out, everybody was so upset - people were crying. But we were told STACK were taking it over and we got excited all over again as it was proposed to us that it would be just a matter of one year and a half before it opened up again. But it's been almost three years now.'
Martins, who now runs SAMPA and BRASA, added: 'It still looks the same as it was when we all left. It still has the Hatch name you can see when you walk past it. It just feels like such a shame.' She expressed interest in returning, citing the 'lovely community spirit' among traders and the hub's role in launching her career.
Community reaction and future outlook
Food blogger Kelly Bishop, founder of Manchester Wine Tours, posted on Instagram: 'Always depresses me walking past here. What a waste. Hatch was amazing on days like today.' The site has been empty since October 2023, when all units closed after a short notice period that sparked backlash, including a letter from then-night-time economy tsar Sacha Lord.
STACK, which is also developing a 2,000-capacity site in Wigan, reiterated that Manchester remains 'an important part of our long-term growth strategy'. The company expects STACK Wigan to open in late autumn.
