Project Spotlight:

Revitalising Manchester’s Iconic
DRY Bar into The Freemount​

Client: Urban Village Bars

Location: 28-30 Oldham Street, Manchester

Project Completion: March 2025

Urban Restoration – Transforming the Iconic DRY Bar into a New Live Music Venue

Few buildings in Manchester hold the cultural weight of the former DRY Bar. Launched in 1989 by Factory Records’ Tony Wilson, the venue became a defining feature of the city’s music and nightlife scene — a landmark on Oldham Street and a cornerstone of Manchester’s creative identity.

Now, with the vision of Urban Village Bars and the craftsmanship of Classic Building Group, this historic site has been reimagined as The Freemount — a modern live music venue ready to welcome a new generation of performers and patrons.

Working closely with the project architects, Classic Building Group delivered a complete transformation of the building, including:
Structural adaptations to support new internal layouts and crowd flows
Full interior fit-out, from exposed steelwork to bespoke bar and acoustic treatments
Utilities upgrade, including rewiring, plumbing, and HVAC to suit live performance standards
Detailed collaboration with architectural designers, aligning construction with the creative vision featured in the project showcase video.

Industrial Heritage Meets Contemporary Functionality

Inside The Freemount, the aesthetic is raw yet refined. The venue’s industrial past is preserved through exposed brick walls, visible ducting, and steel support features, while a warm palette of reclaimed wood and soft ambient lighting creates an inviting atmosphere.

Purpose-built bar and lounge areas flank the main floor, with flexible open spaces that can accommodate both high-energy gigs and more intimate sets.

Looking Ahead: Reviving the Past, Reimagining the Future

This project is a shining example of Classic Building Group’s expertise in adaptive reuse and urban restoration. The team’s careful balance of heritage preservation and modern innovation has given this iconic address new relevance, ensuring its legacy continues at the heart of Manchester’s creative scene.

To learn more about the The Freemount, visit their website: thefreemount.co.uk and plan your visit today.

“Manchester — and the nation — will always remember the legacy Tony Wilson bestowed upon us. From acid house raves to the post-punk revolution, to the unmistakable sound of Joy Division, his passion didn’t just shape music — it shaped Manchester. In restoring the former DRY Bar into The Freemount, we honour that spirit. This project is more than a renovation; it’s a tribute to the man who made Manchester great again.” 
-Classic Building Group