Urban Exchange
Manchester's Ancoats shopping hub where outlet deals meet industrial chic and canal-side revival.
Urban Exchange is a vibrant shopping centre in Manchester's Ancoats district at 100 Great Ancoats St. This modern hub offers diverse retail outlets, outlet stores, and conveniences in a regenerated industrial area. Nestled near the Rochdale Canal and historic mills, it blends contemporary shopping with the city's industrial heritage. Open long hours from 8am to 10pm most days, it caters to everyday shoppers seeking fashion, deals, and urban exploration. Easily accessible by public transport, it's a practical stop amid Ancoats' trendy evolution.
A brief summary to Urban Exchange
- 100 Great Ancoats St, Manchester, M4 6DE, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 8 am-10 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-10 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-10 pm
- Thursday 8 am-10 pm
- Friday 8 am-10 pm
- Saturday 8 am-10 pm
- Sunday 11 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Hunt for outlet bargains early in the day to beat crowds and snag the best sizes.
- Pair shopping with a stroll to nearby Rochdale Canal for a mix of retail and waterside calm.
- Visit midweek for quieter browsing and extended 8am-10pm hours.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
Urban Exchange location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Urban Exchange
Gateway to Ancoats' Revival
Urban Exchange stands at 100 Great Ancoats Street, marking the entrance to Ancoats, Manchester's pioneering industrial suburb now pulsing with new life. Once a thoroughfare lined with cotton mills and factories during the Victorian era, this stretch has transformed into a boundary between the bustling Northern Quarter and the quieter, pedestrian-friendly lanes of Ancoats. The centre itself embodies this shift, housed in a contemporary structure that contrasts with nearby Grade II-listed buildings like Brownsfield Mill and the iconic Daily Express Building, a 1939 modernist gem by Sir Owen Williams.Diverse Retail Heart
Inside Urban Exchange, a curated mix of shops awaits, from high-street brands to outlet bargains that draw savvy shoppers. The layout encourages easy navigation, with wide aisles and clear signage promoting discovery among fashion, accessories, and lifestyle stores. Its position on the inner ring road makes it a convenient anchor, replacing older retail parks with a more integrated urban experience. Fun fact: Ancoats earned the title 'world's first industrial suburb' for its 19th-century mills, many now repurposed as chic apartments overlooking the Rochdale Canal.Industrial Echoes and Modern Pulse
Great Ancoats Street's history whispers through its architecture—Pin Mill Works at Fairfield Street junction once produced cotton, while the area's canals fueled Manchester's textile boom. Urban Exchange fits seamlessly into this narrative, offering a shopping escape amid ongoing gentrification. Nearby, the regenerated New Islington unfolds with waterside marinas and Cutting Room Square, a leafy plaza evoking Mediterranean courtyards. The centre's energy-efficient design nods to sustainability in this evolving neighbourhood.Practical Haven for Shoppers
With extended hours—8am to 10pm Monday through Saturday, and 11am to 6pm Sundays—Urban Exchange suits flexible schedules. Its location fosters spontaneous visits, whether grabbing deals post-brunch or stocking up before evening outings. The surrounding Ancoats buzzes with independent bars and eateries like Rudy's pizzeria and Mana, Manchester's Michelin-starred gem, adding layers to a shopping trip turned neighbourhood adventure.Connected Urban Node
Proximity to transport hubs enhances accessibility, while the street's role as a ring road link ties it to Manchester's rhythm. Historic elements like Ancoats Hall's legacy and scuttler gang-named streets (Bengal Street for the Bengal Tigers) enrich the backdrop. Urban Exchange thus serves not just as a retail spot but as a microcosm of Manchester's blend of grit, innovation, and reinvention, inviting visitors to shop amid stories of industrial might.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Murrays' Mill
0.3 km
Explore Murrays' Mills, the world’s oldest urban steam-powered cotton mill, where industrial heritage meets modern living in Manchester’s historic Ancoats district.
Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) west portal
0.4 km
A historic tram tunnel portal in Ancoats, symbolizing Manchester’s industrial heritage and urban transformation.
Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) east portal
0.4 km
Historic tram tunnel portal in Manchester’s industrial Ancoats district, linking past mill heritage with modern urban regeneration.
Victory Over Blindness
0.5 km
A powerful bronze memorial at Manchester Piccadilly honoring WWI veterans blinded in battle, symbolizing resilience and solidarity at eye level.
Statue of the Duke of Wellington
0.5 km
A commanding Victorian bronze statue in Piccadilly Gardens honoring the Duke of Wellington’s military valor and political legacy.
Arch of Chinatown
0.9 km
Europe's only imperial Chinese arch, a stunning gateway to Manchester's vibrant multicultural heart.
Connaught Building
0.9 km
Discover the historic Connaught Building in Manchester, a captivating landmark reflecting the city’s rich architectural heritage and vibrant urban spirit.
Robert Owen Statue
1.0 km
Honoring Robert Owen, pioneer of social reform and the co-operative movement, through a striking statue in Manchester’s city heart.
The Undamaged Red Post Box
1.0 km
A resilient symbol of hope standing where devastation once reigned on Manchester's Corporation Street.
St. Peter's Square
1.1 km
Manchester’s historic St Peter's Square blends rich heritage, iconic architecture, and vibrant urban life at the heart of the city centre.
Manchester City Council
1.1 km
Manchester City Council’s majestic Town Hall in Albert Square: a Victorian Neo-Gothic masterpiece and symbol of civic heritage.
John Bright Statue
1.1 km
A marble tribute in Albert Square honoring John Bright’s legacy as a champion of free trade and social reform in Victorian Manchester.
Albert Memorial
1.1 km
A grand Victorian Gothic monument in Albert Square celebrating Prince Albert’s legacy through art, science, and culture.
Saint Ann's Church
1.2 km
Discover the architectural beauty and serene atmosphere of Saint Ann's Church, a historic Anglican gem in the heart of Manchester.
Albert Square
1.2 km
Explore the vibrant Albert Square in Manchester, a cultural hub adorned with stunning architecture and lively events year-round.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Horsfall
0.2 km
A vibrant creative venue in Manchester’s Ancoats, empowering youth mental health through art and community.
The Whiskey Jar
0.3 km
Discover The Whiskey Jar in Manchester, where an extensive whiskey collection meets a lively atmosphere, perfect for every occasion.
Hilton House Mural
0.3 km
A powerful street art mural in Manchester’s Northern Quarter blending social themes with vibrant urban creativity.
Greater Manchester Police Museum & Archives
0.3 km
Explore Manchester’s historic police station, original cells, and magistrates’ court in this immersive museum dedicated to policing heritage.
Cutting Room Square
0.3 km
A vibrant urban square in Ancoats blending industrial heritage, contemporary dining, and cultural art installations.
Fell Northern Quarter
0.3 km
Experience the heartbeat of Manchester's nightlife at Fell Northern Quarter, where craft beer meets vibrant culture in an inviting atmosphere.
SEVEN BRO7HERS BEERHOUSE Ancoats
0.3 km
Explore SEVEN BRO7HERS BEERHOUSE in Ancoats—where craft beer meets delicious food in a vibrant pub atmosphere.
Hallé at St Michael's
0.4 km
Historic church transformed into a vibrant music and community venue in Manchester’s cultural heart of Ancoats.
Express Building
0.4 km
A timeless Streamline Moderne masterpiece blending historic print heritage with vibrant modern workspaces in the heart of Ancoats, Manchester.
Stevenson Square
0.4 km
Manchester’s Stevenson Square: the energetic Northern Quarter hub for bars, culture, and vibrant nightlife in the city centre.
Empire Exchange
0.4 km
Dive into Manchester’s eclectic Empire Exchange, a treasure trove of vintage comics, vinyl, and collectibles where every visit uncovers a new story.
DRY BAR
0.5 km
Discover the lively ambiance and eclectic music scene at DRY BAR, a premier bar and nightclub in Manchester's vibrant nightlife.
Old Naval Yard
0.5 km
Discover the Old Naval Yard in Ancoats, a historic gateway to Manchester’s rich maritime and industrial heritage nestled in a vibrant urban district.
Shops
0.5 km
Discover Oldham Street, Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter hotspot for vintage fashion, indie shops, live music, and authentic urban culture.
Afflecks
0.5 km
Explore Manchester’s legendary alternative indoor market, home to over 60 independent traders and a vibrant hub of creativity and culture.
Essential places to dine
Street Urchin
0.2 km
Bold British seafood and market dining in a modern, plant-filled space with warm service and inventive, seasonal dishes in Manchester’s Ancoats.
Viet Shack Restaurant
0.2 km
Experience bold Vietnamese street food flavors and vibrant fusion dishes in the heart of Manchester’s creative Ancoats district.
Rudy's Pizza Napoletana - Ancoats
0.3 km
Experience authentic Neapolitan pizza with light, airy crusts and traditional toppings in a lively, rustic setting in Manchester’s Ancoats district.
Canto
0.3 km
Experience vibrant Portuguese tapas and Mediterranean flavors in the stylish heart of Ancoats, Manchester’s buzzing culinary hotspot.
Erst
0.3 km
Seasonal sharing plates and natural wines in Ancoats' industrial-chic haven, where Manchester's food scene thrives.
Tariff & Dale
0.3 km
Historic industrial charm meets modern British cuisine and inventive cocktails in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.
Jimmy's Manchester
0.3 km
Discover Jimmy's Manchester: A lively bar serving delicious American BBQ and inventive cocktails in Ancoats.
The Counter House
0.3 km
A relaxed modern European restaurant in Manchester’s Ancoats, offering hearty comfort food with a healthy twist and excellent wine service.
Elnecot
0.3 km
Ancoats’ vibrant modern British bar and kitchen blending inventive seasonal dishes with a warm, industrial-chic atmosphere.
mana
0.4 km
Manchester’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, Mana serves avant-garde British tasting menus in a sleek open-kitchen space in Ancoats.
SUD Pasta Ancoats
0.4 km
Experience vibrant, handmade Italian pasta and lively communal dining in the heart of Manchester’s trendy Ancoats district.
RIGATONI'S Ancoats
0.4 km
Specialized Southern Italian pasta kitchen in Manchester’s vibrant Ancoats, serving bold, hearty rigatoni dishes in a modern setting.
Turtle Bay Manchester Northern Quarter
0.4 km
Experience vibrant Caribbean flavors and lively island vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Turtle Bay.
Store Street Exchange Restaurant
0.5 km
Modern British dining with rotisserie specialties and craft cocktails in Manchester’s vibrant Piccadilly hub.
Evuna NQ
0.5 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant hospitality in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Evuna NQ, a lively hub for food, wine, and culture.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Urban Exchange
0.0 km
Manchester's Ancoats shopping hub where outlet deals meet industrial chic and canal-side revival.
Bionic Seven
0.2 km
Discover expertly curated vintage menswear and unique streetwear styles at Bionic Seven, a Northern Quarter icon since 2003.
Ancoats General Store
0.3 km
A modern corner shop in Ancoats mixing everyday essentials with craft beers, vegan options, coffee and an in‑store post office.
Store Retail Group Ltd
0.3 km
Explore the vibrant retail scene in Ancoats, Manchester, at Store Retail Group Ltd, where local craftsmanship meets urban charm.
Twisted Smile
0.3 km
Discover eclectic style at Twisted Smile, Ancoats' boutique beacon of unique apparel amid Manchester's creative revival. Curated finds and expert advice await in this urban fashion haven. (162 characters)
The Norah Store
0.3 km
Boutique womenswear in Ancoats with a slow-fashion, carefully curated edit of rare and independent labels.
Form Lifestyle Store
0.4 km
Discover Manchester's hidden gem: a light-filled Grade II listed haven brimming with indie-crafted homewares, gifts, and creative workshops in the Northern Quarter.
HighMidLows
0.4 km
Uncover eclectic contemporary fashion in Ancoats' creative heart at HighMidLows, where unique local designs meet everyday style in a vibrant boutique setting.
Fred Aldous Ltd
0.4 km
Manchester’s vibrant, family-run arts and crafts emporium with 30,000 products, vintage photo booths, and a creative spirit spanning over 130 years.
Suzylovesmilo concept store
0.4 km
Discover unique vintage fashion and sustainable style at Suzylovesmilo, Manchester’s curated concept store blending Japanese influences with local creativity.
needi
0.4 km
Discover unique, locally crafted gifts with expert personal service in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant Piccadilly at Needi.
Pop Boutique
0.5 km
Tucked into Oldham Street, Pop Boutique is Manchester’s well-curated vintage emporium for mid-century to 1990s fashion finds and eclectic accessories.
Nordic Muse Lifestyle Store
0.5 km
A quietly curated Northern Quarter boutique for simple, well-crafted jewellery and Nordic-inspired homeware.
Kiku Boutique
0.5 km
Bespoke corsets and vintage lingerie in Manchester's Northern Quarter: handmade elegance that defies fast fashion.
Thunder Egg
0.5 km
Dive into a rainbow of quirky fashion and gifts at Thunder Egg, Manchester's colorful boutique for unique vintage-inspired styles and playful outfits.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Jane Eyre
0.3 km
Ancoats' inventive neighbourhood bar serving bold small plates, creative cocktails, and Sunday roasts in a buzzing industrial space—perfect for grazing and lingering.
Hold Fast Bar
0.3 km
Dive into Manchester's Northern Quarter basement gem: nautical vibes, retro tiles, banging tunes, and chill nights at Hold Fast Bar.
The Edinburgh Castle Pub
0.3 km
Historic Ancoats boozer reborn: cosy Victorian pub vibes meet seasonal gastropub mastery and local brews in Manchester's industrial heart.
cask
0.3 km
Craft beer haven on Manchester's New Islington Marina, with canal views, games, and a relaxed vibe in trendy Ancoats.
KERB
0.3 km
Intimate natural wine haven in Ancoats: curved peach walls, pet-nat sparklers, and expert tastings in a Scandi-style cocoon.
The Fitzgerald
0.3 km
Velvet seats, craft cocktails and live jazz in a 1920s‑inspired Manchester speakeasy with a stage for cabaret and private hire.
7Sins, Northern Quarter
0.4 km
A vibrant basement bar and gaming hub in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, mixing cocktails, pool, arcade games, and dance club energy.
Flok
0.4 km
Lively pub with excellent drinks and friendly vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife.
blossom street SOCIAL
0.4 km
Chilled wine bar in Ancoats with vinyl vibes, bottle walls, and pop-up fine dining—where sophisticated sips meet casual social hours in Manchester's creative heart.
Dusk Til Pawn
0.4 km
Secretive pawn-shop façade, intimate speakeasy interior and a menu of inventive cocktails in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
Mean Eyed Cat Bar Manchester
0.4 km
Dive into Manchester’s Northern Quarter for rebellious rock ’n’ roll vibes, free pizza, and legendary dice games at Mean Eyed Cat Bar.
The Crown & Kettle
0.4 km
Grade II-listed Ancoats gem with a world-class tin ceiling, craft beer mastery, and cozy Victorian vibes—Manchester's perfect pub hybrid.
Wilson's Social
0.5 km
All-day Northern Quarter hub: brunch by day, cocktails and beats by night in a multi-level party palace with pool, courtyard, and private den.
Behind Closed Doors
0.5 km
Descend into debauched delight at this Northern Quarter speakeasy, where retro telephones summon saucy cocktails amid erotic art, neon booths, and funky DJ beats until 4am.
Night & Day Cafe
0.5 km
Manchester's intimate live music heartbeat in the Northern Quarter—where legends launched and nights ignite with raw indie energy.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
YDSA Events | Queer Clubbing
0.3 km
Dive into Manchester's most inclusive queer rave: grungy beats, diverse dancers, and unapologetic joy at YDSA Events in Ancoats.
Aatma
0.3 km
Manchester's underground heartbeat: live beats, pizza slices, and all-night vibes in the Northern Quarter's hidden gem.
Twenty Twenty Two
0.4 km
Manchester's gritty basement haven where ping pong battles rage under DJ beats and craft brews flow freely in the Northern Quarter's creative underbelly.
Mint Lounge
0.4 km
Experience Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife at Mint Lounge, a lively club with eclectic music, affordable drinks, and an inclusive vibe.
Funkademia
0.5 km
Manchester's longest-running funk and soul night pulses at Mint Lounge in the Northern Quarter—dance to electric disco until dawn in an underground haven.
Club Tropicana
0.8 km
Dive into 1980s glamour at Manchester's premier gay nightclub, where drag, DJs, cocktails, and retro beats fuel the Gay Village's electric nightlife.
Satans Hollow
0.9 km
Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
Cargo
0.9 km
Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.
Bijou Club
1.2 km
Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.
Kable
1.3 km
A compact, late‑night basement club on New Wakefield Street, favoured for punchy electronic nights and close‑up DJ sessions.
Viva Manchester
1.3 km
Compact stage-driven nightclub on Whitworth Street West — theatrical themed nights, DJ sets and group-friendly table service.
Club Liv Manchester
1.3 km
Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.
Venue Nightclub
1.3 km
Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
42's
1.4 km
Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
Bliss Club Manchester
1.5 km
Experience Manchester’s authentic late-night vibe at Bliss Club, where music and local energy blend into a spirited urban nightlife hub.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Cultural Heritage
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Wheelchair Access