New Century unveils plans for intimate new ground floor music venue

New Century has announced plans for a new 450-capacity live music and events venue set to take over the ground floor of the building

Locker is scheduled to open in the autumn, bringing with it a brand-new, intimate grassroots live music venue. The central bar that currently operates in the space will remain, alongside one overarching food concept.

Locker will sit on the other side of a newly-installed, soundproofed partition. The venue will host a broad programme spanning Manchester-based and country-wide talent with a wide array of genres from rock, jazz and hip-hop to electronic music and beyond.

Stylistically, the new space will remain true to New Century’s mid-century aesthetic, while introducing a high-spec live setup which bosses say will be among the best in Manchester for a venue of its size.

The reconfiguration will begin later this year. Guests can continue to enjoy New Century Kitchen and its food traders in its current layout on the ground floor over the summer, during which a regular programme of events will be taking place, including World Cup screenings.

Abby Mudge, MD of New Century, commented: “Locker aims to reimagine our ground floor in a way that enables us to support grassroots talent further, as well as providing independent hospitality for which New Century is known and loved. Our loyal guests will still be able to enjoy the same look and feel, the same great team, our beautiful bar and an exciting new food concept throughout the day and into the evening.

“We’re proud to be creating more space in the city for emerging artists and promoters in a building that lives and breathes music. Locker will also provide even more experience and opportunities for the students who call our building home at dBs Institute, supporting New Century’s musical ecosystem. We can’t wait to welcome Manchester to Locker in the Autumn!”

The arrival of Locker is welcomed by the Music Venue Trust, and Jay Taylor, the organisation’s Regional Venues Alliance Coordinator, added: “New Century expanding to incorporate a second 450-capacity grassroots space is a huge step forward which will create significant opportunities for artists, promoters and audiences. This is a really encouraging addition to Manchester’s live music ecosystem, strengthening our vital infrastructure and grassroots scene.”