Once a suntrap... now this historic Manchester pub has been left in the shadow of a new skyscraper

Fans of a popular Manchester pub have been left reeling by the construction of a new skyscraper towering over its rooftop terrace – with some even calling it a ‘monstrosity’.

The Deansgate pub is home to one of the city’s most loved rooftop bars but what was once a suntrap has been left in the shadow of a new skyscraper. The bar’s views that used to stretch over the southern city centre skyline are now blocked by the tower.

After closing during the first Covid lockdown in 2020, the pub, which started its life in the 19th century, failed to reopen, prompting concern from pub-goers that it may not return. Fortunately, in October 2021, brewing giant Greene King confirmed it had acquired the old school boozer and planned to refurbish it.

It opened its doors once again in 2022 following three months of renovation that saw the pub’s two floors completely transformed, along with the outdoor terrace area.

The Manchester Evening News understands the roof terrace has been closed for safety reasons and it is unknown when it will be back in operation.

The Deansgate’s roof terrace has been forced to close while constuction work is carried out

When it does reopen its views of the Deansgate Square towers will be replaced by a 22-storey, 357-bedroom Staycity ‘aparthotel’ by Manchester-based developers Ask Real Estate Limited (AREL) which was granted planning permission in June 2020. A second application to increase the number of bedrooms in the hotel from 279 to 357 was approved in 2022.

A spokesperson for Ask Real Estate said they had entered legal agreements with the then-owner of the pub, before Greene King and that the owner was ‘happy with the arrangements.’

The specialist hotel developer Dean Street Developments has now taken over construction of the ‘aparthotel’ and AREL is no longer involved in the scheme.

The plans put forward by AREL were approved despite the scheme receiving several objections. One resident said: “The architecture should be in line with the pub and be low rise, this proposal is overdevelopment and does not complement the surrounding area.”

A CGI of what the hotel will look like from Deansgate

The plans for the towering hotel between the Grade II listed Castlefield viaduct and The Deansgate were recommended for approval by Manchester council’s chief executive Joanne Roney who handled development decisions during the height of the Covid pandemic. In their submission to Ms Roney, Manchester Council planning officers said the scheme should go ahead as it would meet ‘growing demand’ for hotel rooms in the city.

The hotel will be the fourth Staycity hotel in Manchester, with the chain already operating on St Peter’s Square, Mason Street and near Piccadilly station.

Ask Real Estate previously said retaining The Deansgate was was a priority, and that the building would wrap around the pub to ensure it retains its prominence on street level.

A CGI of what the hotel will look like from Castlefield viaduct

Photos of the new aparthotel hugging two sides of The Deansgate have however sparked fury online among fans of the pub with many calling the creation of the hotel a ‘shame’ and complaining the terrace has been ‘ruined’.

Responding to the photos, which show the hotel surrounding two sides of The Deansgate, Becky wrote: “Such a shame… was a lovely little suntrap in the summer.” Echoing her comment, Maxine said: “Last summer, great views and sun trap. Won’t be now.”

Lisa added: “Lovely little sun trap completely ruined”, and Matt said: “It’s ridiculous isn’t it. A really nice beer garden ruined.”

Some even called the new skyscraper ‘awful’ and a ‘monstrosity’. Marie questioned: “Could that monstrosity get any nearer to the pub?”

Others expressed fears that the construction of the new skyscraper in close proximity to a traditional building is part of a growing trend across the city.

Bernadette commented: “Unbelievable. That’s another iconic building that’ll go in the end. All the lovely buildings are going and being replaced by these.”

Agreeing with her comment, Sarah replied: “I hate what’s happening in town.. everytime I go to work I find myself getting annoyed…gorgeous old buildings being demolished for crappy black glass and concrete that overshadow everything.”

Others likened the encroachment of the new skyscraper on The Deangate’s terrace to the view at the Lower Turk’s Head’s beer garden which has been taken over by a nearby tower block.

Some also recalled the outrage previously provoked by plans to build a soaring skyscraper next to the iconic Britons Protection pub, with one campaign group calling the proposals ‘a tower too far’ for Manchester city centre.

Amber Leaff, general manager for the Deansgate, confirmed the pub remains open as normal indoors while the construction is carried out.

Amber said: “The Deansgate continues to operate as normal indoors, with three floors offering visitors plenty of space to enjoy a drink or some classic pub food and we’re delighted to continue to welcome customers through the door.”

A spokesperson for Ask Real Estate said: “Before acquiring the land adjacent to the Deansgate Pub we entered into legal agreements with the owner of the pub which dealt with all aspects of construction and rights of light. The owner was very happy with the arrangements, and subsequently sold the pub to Greene King.

Specialist hotel developer Dean Street Developments is now delivering the Aparthotel.”

Dean Street Developments have also been approached for comment.