Die is cast for retention of Very Inc’s popular Manchester F&B offer

Diecast, the Manchester hospitality staple, wants to cement its presence off Ducie Street and continue serving more than 20,000 punters a week at the Presbar Diecasting site.

Permission for use of the site as a leisure and entertainment venue is set to expire in the summer, but a permanent residence is now likely after plans to remain on-site have been put to Manchester City Council.

The management team at A Very Inc have previously been involved with other success stories in the city, including Mission Mars’ Rudy’s Pizza and Albert’s Schloss venues.

The 98,000 sq ft Diecast currently features a bar and restaurant, run by Leno Ex Machina, in addition to a beer hall, an events space, back-of-house areas, and retail and office spaces for SMEs.

Diecast hosts an eclectic mix of occupants, including Cellerate Limited, Verry Cherry, Flower Plant, Gisele, Manchester Robotics, Le Disco Thecque, Jody Hartley, and John Male.

In addition to these tenants, plans for a ‘night market’ have been floated, with the proposed operating hours running until 1am.

The venue operator is expecting to employ 250 people, including the SMEs, performers, and technicians.

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According to a planning statement submitted on Diecast’s behalf by Deloitte, the site is projected to generate more than £2.5m in annual tax revenue.

Diecast currently offers space for hire, a karaoke booth, and regular DJ sets.

The project team includes SK Transport, Jameson Acoustics, Surety Fire Solutions, APL Mechanical, Penny Anderson Associates, FGH, Counter Context, and Element Sustainability.

To view the application, use the planning reference number 142386/FO/2025 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.