Cutting Room Square, Ancoats

What is Cutting Room Square?

Cutting Room Square is the vibrant heart of the modern Ancoats neighborhood. It is a public square surrounded by some of the most impressive industrial architecture in Manchester, now home to popular independent restaurants, bars, and creative studios. The square is named after the “cutting rooms” of the former cotton mills that dominate its skyline.

Why Shoot Here?

• Industrial Contrast: The square is framed by massive red-brick mills like the Royal Mill and the Ice Plant, providing a dramatic backdrop for urban photography.
• Public Art: Look out for the permanent sculptural monoliths by artist Dan Dubowitz, which feature photographs of the area’s industrial past.
• Lifestyle & Street: The outdoor seating and bustling crowds make it an excellent spot for capturing the “new Manchester” lifestyle and candid street scenes.
• Night Scene: The square is beautifully lit at night, with the glowing windows of the bars and the illuminated facades of the surrounding mills creating a warm, atmospheric glow.