REVEALED | Manchester's New 'Hidden' Arts Hub

IT WAS a Manchester icon, a premium showroom for some of the world’s most luxurious car brands and the UK’s first official supplier of Hummers. But, unable to withstand a changing market and ‘backward’ sales, Bauer Millett was forced to close after 40 years in business. 

Immersive cinema, a buskers’ corner, even indoor ice skating...

So ended four decades of trading, of servicing the Chevrolets of Manchester United players and selling Ferraris and Cadillacs to Britain’s rich and famous. Cars were removed, the depot emptied and the city landmark shut up shop - two days before Christmas 2014. 

It’s a big void to fill. The showroom’s history coupled with its dynamic location - two listed viaduct arches that encapsulate Manchester’s industrial heritage - make this space a conduit for big ambitions. Anything less would be a travesty. 

Fortunately, new tenant Simon Naylor isn’t short on ambition. The actor and coach got his leasehold after beating over twenty competitors to win a placemaking initiative launched by current owners Ask Real Estate, encouraging the innovative use of empty buildings with a start-up loan. 

Naylor’s winning scheme? 53Two, ‘Manchester’s newest, biggest and most versatile arts venue’.

The 53 cafe space will feature turf, deckchairs and quirky secondhand furniture: an all-day creative hub

Whilst Naylor reckons he’ll only get five years’ lease - “before someone decides to convert it into a Hilton Hotel” - he’s confident that 53Two, now a registered charity, will be a permanent fixture within Manchester’s art scene. 

“We were lucky to get this venue but initially we searched all over Manchester. 53Two - despite being named after the building's coordinates - is an adaptable concept so we could still make it work elsewhere once the time comes.”   

Within its current location, the venue will be divided into 53 (a cafe) and Two (a bigger space, which will predominantly be used as a theatre). Other uses will include exhibitions, gigs, private events like weddings and conferences, and classes and rehearsals. Once running costs have been met, staff and freelancers paid, profits will be held in a pot and distributed regularly to help fund upcoming creative talent. 

Naylor - an actor whose credentials span TV to theatre to film; with parts in the likes of Casualty, Corrie and Channel 4’s BAFTA-winning The Mark of Cain - knows how important this support is. Having taught first year students at the acting school he initially trained at, London’s Italia Conti, the Bury native returned to Manchester two years ago and set up Manchester Actors’ Platform: which provides services to adult actors at an affordable price. 

Simon Naylor at the 53Two soft launch - Two is due to open in October, while 53 is anticipated early next year

“It’s already a tough industry and the cost of services makes it prohibitive for actors struggling to get themselves out there. We do a wide variety of classes - from scene study to acting for camera to the Meisner technique - as well as providing services like headshots, self-tapes and showreels. You need these things for an agency to take you seriously but some showreel providers, for example, charge over £300 a scene. We charge £85 for two. 

“We also host projects to get people experiencing life as an actor, usually involving producing a film within as little as 48 hours. They’ve been really popular: we’ve started running People’s Choice awards and one of our films is soon to be screened in Manhattan.” 

Naylor is now hoping to produce more collaborative theatre using MAP actors, particularly now he has his own host venue. MAP’s debut production Shirley sold out during its run at Hope Mill Theatre and rehearsals are currently underway for the next show. 

In fact, 53Two - despite not launching fully until 2017 - already has an impressive six shows lined up, spanning one-woman dramas to shorts by two award-winning playwrights. The focus? North West talent. 

“As mentioned, it’s hard to get in the acting circuit. We want to help local actors in particular because I don’t think there’s anywhere in Manchester that does that. Despite its name, HOME’s shows are primarily by national or international touring companies - as they are at Royal Exchange, the Palace and so on. There are a few fringe venues popping up, like Hope Mill, but they’re few and far between and aren’t concentrated on northern talent. We also want to make theatre more accessible so ticket prices will probably be pegged around £12.” 

Millett photos still line the walls. 53Two have also commissioned a car parts sculpture as a nod to the history of the space

That’s not all Naylor and his business partners - fellow actors Alexandra Jones and Stacey Harcourt - have planned. Immersive cinema (starting with Halloween), a buskers’ corner, even indoor ice skating. They’re also due to host the Manchester Food & Drink Festival Binner Party, alongside Real Junk Food Project, a Capture Manchester exhibition curated by Yelp, and even their own food and drink festival called Nom Nom the first weekend of October. 

“Entrepreneurial? I suppose,” says Naylor, “but not in the traditional sense. I’m certainly not doing it to make loads of money - this is the wrong industry - but because I love it. We’re doing it for artists: by artists.” 

One venue, two spaces, limitless possibilities. 

53Two will open in October. For more info, or to donate, visit 53two.com