Hallé Concerts Society appoint contractor to deliver £4m extension

A Manchester firm has been appointed by the Hallé Concerts Society to deliver an extension to their rehearsal, recording and events space at Hallé St Peter’s in Ancoats.

This follows an OJEU (Official Journal of the European Union) restricted tender process which led to the appointment of HH Smith & Son, of Whitefield.

The scheme, valued in excess of £4m, will create a new building, adjoined to the existing former church, to be known as The Oglesby Centre at Hallé St Peter’s.

It will provide additional facilities, including high quality rehearsal and education spaces, a kitchen to service events in the building, and a public-facing café.

Work will start on the redevelopment, designed by Stephenson Studio architects, this month, and is set for completion in autumn 2019, ready for the start of the Hallé’s 2019-2020 artistic season.

David McKeith, chair of the Hallé Concerts Society, said: “We are delighted to have appointed such a well-established, family-owned Manchester business as the contractor to begin works onThe Oglesby Centre at Hallé St Peter’s.

“HH Smith & Sons have a clear track record in delivering outstanding buildings, often complex in design, to the high quality we require and we look forward to working with them to deliver a wonderful new facility for music and events in Manchester.”

Rob Smith, of HH Smith & Sons, said: “The Hallé’s commitment to investing in the creation of world-class rehearsal facilities will create an inspirational space where future generations of talent will be nurtured and developed, and we’re proud to be playing a pivotal role in that process.”