Manchester City Council has approved plans to replace the existing Irish World Heritage Centre in Cheetham Hill with a new internationally-significant attraction.

Its form echoes an ancient Irish ring fort with a large walled enclosure creating a unique public space but it has a contemporary stone and timber panelling design.

The new centre is at the heart of a 25 acre site complex at Queen’s Road including a world-class exhibition space. Future plans include a hotel, a gym, playing fields and 250,000 sq ft of employment space creating opportunities for up to 750 jobs.

It stands within a corridor of investment which also includes the Manchester Fort retail park and the new Manchester Communications Academy in Harpurhey. The existing Irish World Heritage Centre in Cheetham Hill is a popular community facility used by a whole range of ethnic groups.

There is a great emphasis on learning and cultural development, but it is now too small to meet demand and its current location has stopped it realising its full potential.

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:
“The new Irish World Heritage Centre is one of the headline projects in the regeneration of North Manchester.”

“A much-improved Irish Centre has been a long-standing aspiration for the Council and we’re especially pleased it’s being brought forward as part of a comprehensive development which will bring valuable new jobs and facilities to the area.”

“The new centre will celebrate and enhance the contribution of the Irish community to this great city and allow other communities to share their experience.”

Michael Forde, Chairman of the Irish World Heritage Centre said;
“This is another huge leap forward for the many supporters of this exciting project.”

“Our vision is the establishment of a centre of excellence which will provide unique visitor facilities, exhibitions, entertainment, sport and cultural activities, and will sit well with the future dynamic regeneration of North Manchester.”

Irish Ambassador to the UK His Excellency, Bobby McDonagh welcomed the granting of planning permission;

“The new centre will help ensure that a vibrant Irish community committed to the promotion of Irish culture and heritage can be maintained for generations to come.”

“The Irish Government has been a firm supporter of this project since its inception and the new centre promises to be a landmark for Irish communities not just in Manchester but around the world.”