Work starts on ambitious £4.3m extension at major arts venue
Work has started on an ambitious £4.3 million extension to a Manchester concert venue.
The project at Hallé St Peter’s in Ancoats began with a groundbreaking ceremony when Michael Oglesby and Stewart Grimshaw signalled the beginning of work which should be completed by autumn 2019.
Located at the heart of Ancoats, Hallé St Peter’s will undergo a transformation over the next 15 months.
A new three-storey extension, to be known as The Oglesby Centre at Hallé St Peter’s will provide a brand new façade to the building, which will front onto Cutting Room Square.
The new building will provide a much more welcoming approach, and much needed additional facilities including a café and kitchen, large new rehearsal space, education workshop facilities, individual practice spaces, and improved facilities for the Hallé’s musicians and choirs.
David McKeith, Chairman of the Hallé Concerts Society, said: “I am delighted to be here today with three of the Hallé’s staunchest supporters, Michael and Jean Oglesby and Stewart Grimshaw, Chair of the Monument Trust, to formally mark the start of this exciting project.
“What starts today with this ceremony will end with the opening of a magnificent new facility that will see the Oglesby Centre at Hallé St Peter’s placed at the heart of the Hallé’s work.
“The orchestra, our choirs, youth ensembles and our education and community teams will see significant improvements, allowing them all to extend and develop their work.”
Hallé St Peter’s success in attracting a wide range of events – from conferences and weddings to workshops and television appearances have helped Ancoats become a major leisure and business destination, both inside and outside Manchester.
Rob Smith, Director HH Smith & Sons Co Ltd said: “We are thrilled to have been appointed to construct this prestigious and exceptional building for the Hallé.
“The Hallé’s commitment to investing in the heart of Ancoats and providing this inspirational facility is to be applauded.
The redevelopment us designed by Stephenson Studio architects, with MACE working as project manager and contract administrator for the Hallé Concerts Society
