MANCHESTER is set for a musical renaissance later this year when Access to Music opens its ninth centre in the former Jilly’s Rockworld and Music Box nightclubs (AKA Fagins and Rafters) on Oxford Street.
"“Depeche Mode, Joy Division, Lisa Stansfield and Edwin Starr are just some of the names that have a history with our new building"
The purpose-built centre will create a suite of rehearsal rooms, a full-size recording studio, spacious class rooms and a dedicated performance space with a capacity of approximately 100 people.
Architects Visualisation
The centre will be the first of its kind in Manchester and has been created for young musicians from across the region by Access to Music.
Access to Music have developed a bespoke music curriculum with Rockschool, the UK’s only popular music awarding body. To date, the college has trained thousands of performers and producers, including BRIT award winning Ed Sheeran and chart topper Rita Ora.
Chief Executive Adrian Armstrong said: “Depeche Mode, Joy Division, Lisa Stansfield and Edwin Starr are just some of the names that have a history with our new building and we’re extremely excited about training the next generation of musical talent from a place that has such a rich musical heritage, embracing genres from electronic, pop, rock and all manner of styles in between”.
The new building is owned by Bruntwood and the centre has been designed by Atul Bansal from the Sheila Bird Group.
Architect Visulisations
Speaking for Bruntwood, Property Marketing Director Colin Sinclair said: “This has been a very exciting project for the team here at Bruntwood and we are proud to be bringing the space back into use for the music industry. Access to Music will bring a new era of creative talent through the doors of St. James’ and it further enhances our plans for West Village.”
Bruntwood's 'West Village' is made up of a collection of buildings at the junction of Oxford Street and Portland Street, 113, 117 and 127 Portland Street and 61 Oxford Street.
Jilly's and Music Box
There are a limited number of places available for sixteen to eighteen year olds on a variety of music performance and music technology courses.
Anyone interested in starting a course in September is encouraged to attend the open day on Wednesday 6 August (3.30 to 5.30pm) at Manchester Music Base, 77 Newton Street, M1 1EX, or register their interest by visiting Access To Music.
Courses will start at Manchester Music Base in September and transfer to the Oxford Street centre in October.
Access to Music has a number of patrons, including Sir George Martin CBE and Jools Holland. In April 2013 it was awarded a ‘Good’ grade in full Ofsted inspection.
