An ex-security cabin on stilts by Canal St is to host an exciting pop-up collaboration

Developers Capital & Centric and HBD have transformed an ex-security cabin on stilts into a flexible creative and events space called ‘the Bungalow.’ It’s part of KAMPUS, Manchester’s new garden neighbourhood opposite Canal Street, which features 533 apartments across five separate buildings.

The Bungalow will act as KAMPUS’ very own village hall, supporting community uses and activities. It will be a place for independents and new ideas to find their feet and the space will see a series of pop-up residencies as the site comes to life - to coincide with the first apartments launching in spring 2020.

People might have wandered past on Canal Street and wondered what we were doing with the building

KAMPUS has announced that the first residency at The Bungalow will be a pop-up restaurant named ‘Higher Ground,’ led by Joseph Otway and Richard Cossins (ex-head chef of Stockport’s Where The Light Gets In and ex-Relæ in Copenhagen.) They will create a daily changing menu bringing together North West ingredients, Manchester brewed beer and natural wines. There’s also talk of an oxtail madras pasty – inspired by the chef’s late-night visits to Longsight. 

2020 02 11 Higher Ground Chefs
Joseph Otway and Richard Cossins are behind Higher Ground

There will be beer on tap from a local brewery and the wine list will encourage and enable discovery, highlighting producers who see themselves as farmers just as much as winemakers.

“We were drawn to the Bungalow from the very beginning,” said Joseph, “and as we learnt more about KAMPUS and the focus on building a community, we knew it was the perfect fit for us. It’s a great opportunity to move into a casual space and share what excites us. We want to offer something that’s approachable and easy for everyone to enjoy, whilst also supporting growers and producers we are passionate about.

2020 02 11 Higher Ground Wines
Higher Ground's natural wine list will encourage and enable discovery

“We’ll be serving a small selection of beers from just down the road and we’ve put together a carefully selected list of wines to drink by the glass or bottle. Plates are going to be simple and delicious, nothing complicated, and ideal to share.” 

Adam Higgins, co-founder of Capital & Centric added, “There’s nowhere else like the Bungalow in the city and we’ve been dying to get it open to the public. People might have wandered past on Canal Street and wondered what we were doing with the building and we’re made up to reveal what’s happening.

“We always wanted to keep it as a flexible space, to be used for anything from pop-ups to yoga classes or community events. Joseph and Richard really understood the community feeling we’re creating at KAMPUS – understated, inclusive and inspired by Manchester.”

Higher Ground is located in the Bungalow at KAMPUS and accessed via Minshull Street. It opens on Friday 21st February with walk-ins and reservations welcome.


Read: Brutally sweet: Kampus rescues a sixties symbol... on stilts

Read: Copenhagen, canals and community - how Kampus avoided dullness in design


Kampus Bungalow

Opening hours: Thursday: 5-11pm, Friday: 5pm-12am, Saturday: 5pm-12am, Sunday: 5pm-11pm

For more info and reservations, visit Higher Ground

Instagram @highergroundmcr