A world-class arts and culture venue currently under construction in Central Manchester has secured a substantial grant from the UK Government’s Cultural Capital Kickstart Fund.
Housed on the former Granada Studios site, The Factory has been awarded £23 million from the UK Government to help tackle the unprecedent challenges of COVID 19, including unforeseen additional costs and construction delays.
The grant is set to be a worthy investment, with the complex expected to inject a mighty £1.1 billion boost into Greater Manchester’s economy in the first decade alone. The venue is set to be the hottest new experience to come to the North West City, as one of the largest, most flexible art spaces in the world.
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council at The Factory’s construction site
When completed, The Factory will be managed by Manchester International Festival who will curate a year-round programme unveiling the work of the most legendary, internationally acclaimed artists.
As well as visual and contemporary arts, the venue will also boast the versatility to showcase intimate musical, dance, theatre and opera performances.
Manchester City Council has also teased The Factory will be kitted out with next-generation technologies, making it one of the most advanced art centres on the planet.
The exterior is also a feast for the eyes too, having been impeccably designed by ultra-talented Dutch Architect Rem Koolhaas’ OMA.
The Factory will also boast spectacular views overlooking the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Manchester Canal, Beetham Tower and the bustles of Deansgate.
Video teases the offerings at The Factory
By increasing Manchester’s tourism offer, its thought the venue could attract up to 850,000 annual visitors. The total project from design to delivery is expected to cost around £130 million.
Commenting on the substantial grant from the Cultural Capital Kickstart fund Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council said: “This is fantastic news for Manchester and for the cultural economy not just of the North but of the whole country.
“After a year that none of us could have foreseen and that has brought with it challenge after challenge for every one of us, and that has hit the culture sector harder than most, this will now secure the completion of a world-class cultural space that is quite literally going to change lives.
Adding: “Culture enriches lives and also livelihoods – it helps make, shape, and grow communities. The importance of The Factory and the part it will play in this to Manchester, the wider region, and to the cultural economy of the UK as a whole cannot be overstated.”
Elsewhere, a world-record breaking coaster by Six Flags has reached a construction milestone.
