It's hoped the new cultural centre will act as a catalyst to the wider regeneration of the whole First Street site
This will be the new home for the merged Cornerhouse and Library Theatre Company, subject to planning permission being granted. This page shows how it will look.
The plans for the 60,000 sq ft centre incorporate two theatres with seating capacities of 500 and 150 respectively, five cinema screens, together with galleries and restaurants, overlooking a new public space. The scheme architect is Mecanoo, which won an international design competition.
It's hoped the new cultural centre will act as a catalyst to the wider regeneration of the whole First Street site and its neighbourhood, bringing the area to life through increased footfall and helping create a strong sense of place.
First Street 'Cultural Centre'
A separate planning application has also been submitted by Ask for a neighbouring 2.2 acre site in First Street North comprising a four-star hotel, 30,000 Sq ft of retail and leisure space, a budget hotel and a multi-storey car park.
A planning decision on the cultural centre is expected in April. Subject to planning permission being granted, work is expected to start on site later this year, with the new centre opening in late summer 2014.
This should be a good year for cultural real estate in Manchester with Central Library due to re-open as well. Click here for the latest pictures from that project.
When the full Mecanoo plans and images are released Confidential will follow-up with an article discussing their merit. The released image has a whiff of Hall, O'Donohue and Wilson's startling 1968 extension to the Liverpool Playhouse about it.
Liverpool Playhouse
