Gongs for showpiece city arts complex

HOME, Manchester’s new international centre for contemporary theatre, film and visual art, has been crowned the winner of two prestigious design awards just one year since it opened its doors at First Street.

Recognised for world-class design and construction, the iconic development has won the RICS North West Award for Tourism and Leisure and was dubbed one of 10 winners at the Royal Institute of British Architects North West Awards.

The accolades come just one year after Manchester City Council’s HOME launched as the North West’s flagship centre for art and culture following the collaboration of the Cornerhouse and the Library Theatre Company.

Designed by Dutch architects, Mecanoo, and built by Wates Construction, HOME features a 500-seat theatre, a 150-seat flexible theatre, a 5,400sq ft and 4m high gallery space, five cinema screens, a café and restaurant.

Reserved for a development that makes an outstanding contribution to tourism and leisure, the RICS North West award was presented to the team in recognition of its place as a catalyst for economic activity in the region.

The RIBA award, presented by BBC 6 Music’s Stuart Maconie, was reserved for developments that have achieved design excellence whilst reflecting changes and innovations in architecture.

HOME executive director Sheena Wrigley said: “We’re thrilled that HOME has won these two very prestigious architectural awards.
“We’ve really enjoyed the productive and collaborative relationships across the board, which have made it possible to realise a project of this scale – a fantastic team effort.

“Here at HOME we really appreciate how MCC and Wates so highly valued our input during this journey, to create a cultural hub where we can present a diverse artistic programme spanning art, theatre and film, as well as a vibrant social space which has already attracted well over half a million visitors.”