By Karen Asbury
After the late Afflecks Palace was re-born this week, but stripped of its regal status down to just “Afflecks”, there is a new air to the building that, to so many, just isn’t what it used to be.Named as the face for culture in Manchester, many argued that by closing Afflecks Palace, knocking it down, or changing it in any way would severely lower its reputation and consequently, its appeal. But unfortunately for the popular student hang-out, it must also be seen as a business, and not just a freebee meeting place.
Me & Yu, a fashion stall specialising in DIY clothing and accessories was previously a successful little earner located on the third floor but are one of the few businesses that shall not be returning to the Northern Quarter building after its re-opening.
However, despite many claiming that leaving the reputable building would result in complete closure and bankruptcy, for certain shops like these; it was merely an unseen opportunity.
Claire Harris, who formerly worked on the Me & Yu stall, argues that leaving Affleck’s Palace was beneficial and allows for this variety of business to spread out, and not just remain clustered in one area.“The stall at first wasn’t too bad when they said Affleck’s was closing” she claims.“Because they have a stall on the fashion market and they had just opened their own boutique, the owners of the stall were not at first too panicked. Obviously they were sad of the news, and my boss, Angela Hulme, was the one doing most of the campaigning to keep the place open. More so than anyone else I would say! She was on all the videos, in the protests, giving talks, and she was in the Manchester Evening News loads. ”
Harris added that money was a major issue, not just for the owner of Afflecks, but also for the market-type stalls.
“The stall I worked on paid £200 per week for rent but it generally depends on the square foot of each shop. There were a lot of rumours before the upcoming ‘closure’ about rent prices going up but I’m not actually sure if they ever did. No-one was allowed to talk about it, so we were pretty much left in the dark. I do know though, that the majority of people who moved out left because of these rumours and the fact that there was so much uncertainty, which no-one needs or wants when you’re trying to earn your wages. We never even knew it was at risk of closing until two weeks beforehand. Everything was pretty much hearsay as far as we were concerned.”
Although there was little information, there was enough available to create panic.
Many of the shops frantically searched for alternative locations but some were left with no-where to go, and the corridors of the “Palace” were left empty and without it’s beloved bohemian look. However, with new owners, and new money, some businesses have come crawling back.
“I know of a few stalls that have moved back in now and are looking forward to the future of Afflecks but I know how difficult this period has been for them. I have read quotes from Helen [Gaskell, of Grin Clothing on Floor One] talking about there being no-where else to go for unusual and outrageous stores like the ones Afflecks hold, and I agree. A stall like Me & Yu could possibly never survive on a main street in Manchester.”
Afflecks Palace was at risk of closure as the landlord’s lease was due to run out in June of this year. However, Bruntwood took over and “saved the Northern Gem” that so many Mancs flock to at weekends.
A joint statement between the management of Afflecks Palace and Bruntwood said: "After 26 years of trading, Afflecks' management has sold their company to Bruntwood in an agreement that protects the future of Afflecks. Bruntwood will manage Afflecks while they look for a new owner who is skilled in running market style businesses and can bring a similar level of enthusiasm and dedication that the existing management has."
Tony Martin has now been brought in to manage Afflecks, and as he was previously responsible for the Festival Village in The Trafford Centre, it would appear he is qualified for the task at hand.
Harris added: “According to Angela, my old boss, they are now having live bands play in there, and a brand new café with up and coming artists to decorate. It sounds great, but of course, a lot of students and young people will be disappointed at the change. Apparently it is going to be great but I personally won’t be going back to work there. It was great to be a part of it, and I was there for four years, but I think it’s best to leave something while it is at its peak – and I think that time has passed for Afflecks Palace. Plus, I think it would be lovely to have Saturdays back to myself!”
Many have hailed the decisions as a fantastic business move, and even key figures in the area have been showing enthusiam on forums and comment sections of news websites.
Anthony McCaul, the City Centre Campaigner for Manchester Labour commented on a Manchester Evening News article praising the news.
“Great news indeed - well done to the Traders for a great campaign and for the Council for getting the parties sat down together. Thanks should also go to the thousands of people who have signed the petition to support Afflecks - a true Northern gem. Let’s see Bruntwood and the Council organise a fantastic street party on Tib Street to celebrate!”
But for those stalls who were fell behind, and couldn’t afford to move back are left only with memories.
What do you think?
We asked some passers-by on Afflecks Day (The day of the re-opening and re-naming to “Afflecks”, April 12th) what they thought of the rejuvenation.
“I didn’t really care about it as much as other people my ages. I helped raise awareness for the protests against the closure because I know it’s something my friends feel passionate about. But me personally, I wanted the place gone. It was a tired and scummy place for kids to sit-around, and I’m sure that won’t change.”
Timmi Wilson, 25, Freelance Photographer
“I’ve been to Afflecks in the past and I think it was better as it was. They made more business because everyone knew who was there. Now that they’ve tried to change it, businesses that people went there for, has been lost. I think they’re at risk of losing a lot of business.”
Amy Munster, 19, Cabin Crew Student
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