It’s looking increasingly unlikely that the ‘Chanel Tunnel’ will make a comeback after the fashion house gifted it to the city, the M.E.N. understands.
Chanel’s Metiers d’Art show on December 7 saw the construction of a huge canopy for Thomas Street, specially designed for the Northern Quarter thoroughfare. It followed the curve of the street and was fitted with lights, providing an impressive backdrop for Chanel’s extravaganza.
After the event finished, Chanel suggested keeping the canopy in-situ but it was de-rigged and taken down because the structure was only allowed to remain in place on a temporary events licence – limited to a month. As work started on the show in mid-November, that meant it had to come down by December 15.
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The tunnel was a hit with Mancs, however. Paul Foster, 32, who lives nearby, said the ‘tent’ reflects Mancunian history. “I think it’s a good idea, Manchester has a history, [and this has the potential] to be a reminder of Chanel being here,” he added. “In the Northern Quarter, there are fashion signs for clothes places, that’s nice.”
And Tom Rivers, who lives in New Islington, was ‘100 percent’ behind its retention. The 36-year-old went on: “I think what I’ve enjoyed about the Northern Quarter since lockdown is more pedestrianisation to give more pockets of communal areas.
“This [street] was getting there but adding a roof gives it more of that. People could be outside all year round.
“I really like it. I wish they could extend it all the way down. Having all the lighting up at night made it feel like Mackie Mayor outside.”
However, having been offered the chance to take ownership of the tunnel, the council says it remains ‘open minded about revisiting the options to bring it back in the future’, but it has not looked into its long-term future — or how much it might cost to keep it, or sections of it, in place.
That research is set to take place in early 2024, it’s understood. But the Evening News also understands that two issues which prevented it from being kept in-situ are also unlikely to be resolved any time soon.
They include the cost of the structure’s public liability insurance, which will run into the ‘tens and tens of thousands of pounds’, according to one source. It’s believed that, while there is willingness to keep the structure in some form in the future, that cost is a stumbling block for both the council and businesses in the area.
The other difficulty is security. Thomas Street, prior to Chanel’s arrival, was protected by solid concrete blocks, known as ‘hostile vehicle mitigation’.
They were present to prevent an attacker using a vehicle to drive into drinkers and diners at one of the many bars and restaurants on the site. However, it’s thought those blocks, taken out to make way for the runway, could not be reinstalled while the canopy remains in place.
That is, in part, due to the fact that several basements for the properties on Thomas Street extend underneath its payment, so needed reinforcing while the structure was up. In place of the bollards were 24-hour security.
And the cost of keeping that security in place is also believed to be an issue, especially as the tunnel could realistically only stay in place until mid-January before a planning application would need to be submitted to keep it up — a time when those bars will be quieter than usual.
This time of the year is also known for adverse weather. The tunnel, ‘although it had to meet rigorous safety standards’ was still of a ‘temporary nature’, the council has said, adding to concerns about its suitability for the future.
These issues are likely to still be a problem when the council revisits its future, but there is a desire from all parties to explore the possibility of keeping it up. Chanel’s week in Manchester has brought in roughly £8 million to the city’s economy, authorities have said.
“Events such as this help cement Manchester’s reputation on a global stage and come with both direct benefits, through the money spent within our economy while they are here but also indirect benefits by showcasing the city and helping to capture investment, jobs, visitors and attention, all of which open up opportunities for Manchester residents and communities,” said council leader Bev Craig on the release of the figure.
