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This is how the ‘fashion event’ space is taking shape on Thomas Street in the Northern Quarter — but who is behind still hasn’t been officially announced.
That’s despite that fact the event is reportedly set to take place in a week’s time, on December 6 and 7. It is widely understood to be Chanel behind the scenes, with a metal frame erected above the road which is popular with drinkers and shoppers.
As reported in the M.E.N. earlier this month, hype around the fashion house’s Métiers d’Art show is growing, with a shroud of secrecy thrown over proceedings. Today (November 29) access from the High Street end of Thomas Street was limited, with new structures being erected on the former.
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And the Manchester Evening News has spoken to businesses in the area who are affected by the month-long closure. Some have signed NDAs so are sworn to secrecy over their involvement, whereas others are able to speak more freely.
It’s thought that one shop, which will stay open throughout next week, on Edge Street has been paid £500 for the disruption. Another bar is set to be used as a production centre for the event.
It’s also understood that another bar in the area has been paid £47,000 by Chanel for having to close for ‘a couple of weeks’.
Businesses in the area have said that the compensation received for closing is ‘fair’ and Chanel’s event staff have ensured deliveries have continued to get through, and been in frequent contact with businesses to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.
With buzz around the Northern Quarter growing, one point has been made more than once — a desire to keep the Thomas Street catwalk roof structure in place. Regulars in The Millstone, also on Thomas Street but not within the closure area, liked the idea of the event coming to Manchester.
“Why not leave it up?,” asked Richard Eden, 73. “That’s a pedestrian way.”
When asked if he was supportive of Chanel’s event, the Westhoughton man said: “Why not? Why should London get it?”
John Marsden, also 73, said it was ‘a good thing’. The Hadfield man added: “Anything to preserve the Northern Quarter a little bit [is good]. It might need a bit of touching up but anything except a skyscraper is alright round here.”
However, it’s expected that the roof structure will be gone ‘almost immediately’, according to other staff on Thomas Street. Little else is known about the event, with signs for suspending parking bays simply saying they were closed for a ‘fashion event’.
And numerous sources have told the Evening News that they haven’t been formally told Chanel is behind the festivities, only that a ‘French client’ was hosting ‘an event’.
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