Green light expected for masonic hall conversion
PLANS to turn Manchester’s Grade II-listed Freemason’s Hall into a business and conference centre are expected to be approved by the city’s planning committee today.
Under the proposals the imposing 1920s building will also have a restaurant as well as office and retail space. The freemasons would continue to operate from smaller, refurbished rooms.
The development was first unveiled in 2011 when a joint venture between Ford Campbell Property Investments and Stephen Cliff’s Vision Developments was said to have taken a 999-year lease on the Bridge Street building.
However, the applicant is listed as Mr Cliff of 36 Bridge Street Ltd along with the East Lancashire Masonic Charity. Mr Cliff is a director of 36 Bridge Street but it is owned by Manchester developer Morgan Leahy. Neither Mr Cliff or Mr Leahy could be reached for comment.
In council papers prepared ahead of the committee meeting, planning officers said: “It is considered that all of the proposed alterations are necessary to overcome existing issues with the building in terms of making it more legible, accessible and
safe whilst at the same time facilitating the viable reuse of the building for a purpose which would ensure its future upkeep.
“In addition it would result in a level of activity within the building which reflects its character and historical importance and which would lead to a better appreciation of one of the city’s key heritage assets through an intensification and diversification of its use.”
The hall was designed by Percy Scott Worthington in 1929 and won the Royal Institute of British Architects Gold Medal the following year. The entrance hall is a replica of King Solomon’s Temple with its coffered barrel vaulted ceiling supported by marble columns.
