Oldham outfit completes impressive hat-trick for Arc

Date published: 26 November 2018


Oldham-based construction and fit-out company Medlock FRB has completed three new venues for fast-expanding restaurant and bar operator Arc Inspirations.

Leisure sector specialist Medlock undertook two projects in Manchester city centre and one in Leeds.

The Manchester sites are a Manahatta and a Banyan Bar & Kitchen.

Arc has added a second Banyan Bar & Kitchen to its Manchester portfolio following its success with the brand in the nearby Corn Exchange, as the chain continues to develop its cluster approach.

Its £1.6m investment in Spinningfields saw a 7,000 sq ft site transformed into a 230-cover casual dining venue, creating 50 jobs.

Banyan’s all-day dining offer includes breakfast and brunch classics, steaks, burgers, sandwiches and salads, and a bar menu featuring cocktails and gins.

The Manahatta involved a £1.8m investment by Arc at the grade II listed Royal London House on Deansgate.

Medlock carried out structural alterations and internal and external works to create a restaurant and bar spanning 8,000 sq ft over two floors, with 238 covers and three private dining areas. Sixty jobs have been created at the venue.

Manahatta is a New York-inspired concept which serves US, Taiwanese and Korean dishes in an Art Deco setting. Its drinks list includes cocktails devised by award-winning bar development manager Mark Austin and the team from the American bar in London’s Savoy Hotel.

The third project was a contract to create The Box in the Edwardian grade II listed Goodbard House on the corner of Infirmary Street and King Street in Leeds city centre.

The building has a rich history, including being used as a hotel and bank, and the existing safes feature in the basement bar.

Medlock’s work involved stripping out the building followed by a full interior fit-out over two floors.

Arc has invested £1.4m in the venue, which features a variety of activities, including two full-size Maplewood European shuffleboard tables, electronic darts, widescreen TV sets for live sports screenings, live music and a private bar called The Vault.

The Box has 150 covers across 7,000 sq ft and has created 50 jobs.

Its food menu features pizzas and burgers, and drinks on offer include local craft beers and ciders, Buvar tank beer and cocktails.

The Box is also supplying pre-ordered ‘Grab n’Go’ lunches for city centre workers.

Chris Addy, senior project manager for Medlock, said: “These latest projects for Arc Inspirations on both sides of the Pennines underline our ability to win repeat business from our client base.

“We are delighted to play a part in the company’s ongoing expansion and look forward to being involved in further schemes as its growth continues.”


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