All good things must come to an end – So why was Afflecks an exception?
By Karen Asbury
“If we aren't careful, Manchester is going to lose all the things that make it special," said Jackie Haynes in 2002. Haynes’ costume shop was once a part of The Coliseum, a shopping emporium in The Northern Quarter that specialised in alternative fashion – very much like Afflecks Palace.
Unfortunately for the Coliseum, which was also located on Church Street it was closed down that year in favour of new flats and offices. So how was it that Affleck’s was saved from a similar fate and The Coliseum perished? Perhaps there is simply more offered at Afflecks, but whatever the reason, the love for the bohemian structure, is undeniable.
As soon as the rumours began that Afflecks could possibly close, the reaction from the general public was astounding. Bloggers went crazy, and Facebook Groups were launched. And why not? After all, it was a Facebook group that brought the beloved chocolate bars Wispa, back into stores. So who is to say that an online community couldn’t prevent a well-loved Mancunian building from being closed? The fact is, it could.
The support for Afflecks Palace was so great, that no matter what your view on the matter, it was impossible to ignore.
A petition was created immediately after news broke in February 2007 that the lease was due to run out in June of the same year. Aptly named “Keep Afflecks Palace Open” the petition attracted over 8000 signatures in total and generally the views expressed were that of sadness and great disappointment at the prospect of closure. The petition was linked from Facebook Group “Save Afflecks Palace” which could explain the similar number of members – 8,179.
January 2008 saw an impressive protest outside of the gothic building to show support and to prove that that there was enough enthusiasm to keep a business afloat.
Manchester based online magazine “Designer Magazine” also became involved, writing an article on the matter, comparing Afflecks Palace to the fallen Camden Market. This article in particular triggered reponses from local photographers as well as Rupert Hill from Coronation Street.
The fact is, people still craved the crazy corridors and DIY stores.
A Bruntwood Spokesman said: “Never in our 30-year history have we bought one of our customer's businesses but Afflecks is a Manchester icon that we wanted to protect.”
So after a year of negotiation and uncertainty, why did they suddenly want to save the indoor market? Many famous faces have sprouted from the tattered hallways of the building, but have grown into house hold names.
Wayne Hemingway, creator of fashion label Red or Dead started off selling his own products in Afflecks Palace and was more than happy to jump on the Save-Afflecks-Bandwagon.
Although it has been argued that many great things have emerged from Afflecks, such as The Happy Mondays, The Stone Roses, or even just a lovely new top, some believe that the new owners will be the death of it’s spirit.
Posting on a Manchester Blog, a comment was left condemning new owners Bruntwood.
It said: “Not only has a lifestyle, a fantastic, brilliant, beautiful community been ruined but this it yet another reason that capitalism cannot be allowed to change all that is good in this country forever. The management have been brilliant, and all my respect goes out to Elaine Walsh, a fantastic woman, who has changed the face of alternative Manchester along with her late husband James Walsh. I hope Bruntwood are happy. I hope all their money makes them happy. I hope whatever they do with Afflecks makes them happy.”
But of course, things change and the world moves on. But will the internet have the same impact over how the future of Afflecks is dictated? I guess we will have to wait and find out.
Watch below to look back on Afflecks Palace in the past year.
By Karen Asbury
“If we aren't careful, Manchester is going to lose all the things that make it special," said Jackie Haynes in 2002. Haynes’ costume shop was once a part of The Coliseum, a shopping emporium in The Northern Quarter that specialised in alternative fashion – very much like Afflecks Palace.Unfortunately for the Coliseum, which was also located on Church Street it was closed down that year in favour of new flats and offices. So how was it that Affleck’s was saved from a similar fate and The Coliseum perished? Perhaps there is simply more offered at Afflecks, but whatever the reason, the love for the bohemian structure, is undeniable.
As soon as the rumours began that Afflecks could possibly close, the reaction from the general public was astounding. Bloggers went crazy, and Facebook Groups were launched. And why not? After all, it was a Facebook group that brought the beloved chocolate bars Wispa, back into stores. So who is to say that an online community couldn’t prevent a well-loved Mancunian building from being closed? The fact is, it could.
The support for Afflecks Palace was so great, that no matter what your view on the matter, it was impossible to ignore.
A petition was created immediately after news broke in February 2007 that the lease was due to run out in June of the same year. Aptly named “Keep Afflecks Palace Open” the petition attracted over 8000 signatures in total and generally the views expressed were that of sadness and great disappointment at the prospect of closure. The petition was linked from Facebook Group “Save Afflecks Palace” which could explain the similar number of members – 8,179.
January 2008 saw an impressive protest outside of the gothic building to show support and to prove that that there was enough enthusiasm to keep a business afloat.
Manchester based online magazine “Designer Magazine” also became involved, writing an article on the matter, comparing Afflecks Palace to the fallen Camden Market. This article in particular triggered reponses from local photographers as well as Rupert Hill from Coronation Street.
The fact is, people still craved the crazy corridors and DIY stores.
A Bruntwood Spokesman said: “Never in our 30-year history have we bought one of our customer's businesses but Afflecks is a Manchester icon that we wanted to protect.”
So after a year of negotiation and uncertainty, why did they suddenly want to save the indoor market? Many famous faces have sprouted from the tattered hallways of the building, but have grown into house hold names.
Wayne Hemingway, creator of fashion label Red or Dead started off selling his own products in Afflecks Palace and was more than happy to jump on the Save-Afflecks-Bandwagon.
Although it has been argued that many great things have emerged from Afflecks, such as The Happy Mondays, The Stone Roses, or even just a lovely new top, some believe that the new owners will be the death of it’s spirit.
Posting on a Manchester Blog, a comment was left condemning new owners Bruntwood.
It said: “Not only has a lifestyle, a fantastic, brilliant, beautiful community been ruined but this it yet another reason that capitalism cannot be allowed to change all that is good in this country forever. The management have been brilliant, and all my respect goes out to Elaine Walsh, a fantastic woman, who has changed the face of alternative Manchester along with her late husband James Walsh. I hope Bruntwood are happy. I hope all their money makes them happy. I hope whatever they do with Afflecks makes them happy.”
But of course, things change and the world moves on. But will the internet have the same impact over how the future of Afflecks is dictated? I guess we will have to wait and find out.
Watch below to look back on Afflecks Palace in the past year.
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