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Venue's constant thudding keeps us awake - locals

BBC Maged Selim leans on a balcony from his apartment looking over the flat-roofed former steelworkers across the street which has been converted into a multi-use events space.BBC
Maged Selim says his wife is forced to move out at the weekend because of the "constant thudding"

Residents who live near one of the largest late-night venues in a city have said their lives are being ruined by rowdy drinkers screaming, fighting and urinating outside their homes.

Neighbours of Diecast, near Manchester's Piccadilly rail station, said they have had to endure "unacceptable" noise and anti-social behaviour since it opened in a former metalworks factory in July 2023.

The venue said various measures had been taken to cut noise, both inside the building and when customers leave in the early hours.

Manchester City Council said it had carried out 59 separate visits and found noise levels were not above legal limits.

The authority added it would "continue to engage with both parties to try and reach a solution".

Diecast, which is based in a 250,000 square foot former factory on Ducie Street, boasts of having Manchester's biggest beer garden.

The venue also has a late night club space as well as beer and food halls.

The Diecast complex as seen behind a set of redbrick terraced buildings, with the skyscrapers of Manchester's skyline seen in the distance.
Council inspections found the venue had not broken legal noise limits

Maged Selim, who moved into the area 15 years before the venue opened, said his wife is being forced to leave their home most weekends because of the noise.

"The bass is like having somebody doing DIY next door, but it starts early in the evening and goes on until 1am," he said.

"It's constant thudding."

He said it used to be a residential area, but now "many people here can't go to bed before 1.30am".

"We need to sleep at night. It's a simple request," he added.

A display board running alongside a pavement with colourful posters showcasing the events being held at the venue.
The venue said it was seeking a 15-year licence

Fellow resident Daniel Tischer, 38, said it was "impossible" to sleep during the noisiest times.

He moved into his apartment in 2020, three years before Diecast took over the former factory.

He said people in the area had been left "frustrated and angry" at the disruption it had caused.

"It was sold as a kind of community and cultural venue, that would bring the community together," said Mr Tischer.

Diecast said it was made clear before opening the venue that a beer hall would operate until 01:00 GMT on certain days.

The venue, which is now seeking a longer term 15-year licence, said it had implemented a "comprehensive" crowd management plan to limit noise when customers left.

It said it operated a 24-hour phone line for residents and was "dedicated to being a good neighbour".

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