Oast House agrees long-term lease

Manchester’s Oast House in the Spinningfields commercial district has agreed a long-term lease and unveiled plans to transform the public space outside the pub.The Oast House, part of Knutsford-headquartered bar and restaurant operator New World Trading Company (NWTC), has announced that a long-term lease arrangement has been secured for both the building and Crown Square.Originally opening as a pop-up pub in 2011, the Oast House has since become a permanent fixture in the city centre. NWTC and Spinningfields developer Allied London have been working together to secure agreement with Manchester City Council to keep the building which, as the name suggests, was developed in the form of a Kentish Oast House.Planning has also been submitted for the permanent redevelopment of Crown Square, which involves dramatically changing how the space currently looks. The most striking change will be the removal of the white canopy to allow for sunshine to fill the terrace and a raised fire pit directly in front of the main building.The stage, which has hosted Spinfest and other live gigs, would switch sides as well. It would move from court-side to being in front of Flannels in order to create more al-fresco space for customers to enjoy the sunshine.Two permanent outdoor bars would also be introduced, with additional customer toilets and heated canopies. And the whole outside area would benefit from extensive landscaping.Works are planned to start in January 2018.