GALLERY | Manchester’s much-anticipated Aviva Studios opens
Factory International’s new £240m home has been described as an “internationally important venue, extraordinary in its scale and ambition.”
This week marks the official opening of Aviva Studios at the heart of the new St John’s neighbourhood in Manchester, just months after Manchester International Festival attendees previewed the space in June.
Factory International, the organisation behind Manchester International Festival, will programme and operate the 143,000 sq ft venue, built by Laing O’Rourke.
The space will host a year-round programme of original productions and special events across all art forms – from major exhibitions and concerts to intimate performances and immersive experiences.
The Office for Metropolitan Architecture-designed building is made up of large, open, and flexible spaces that can be constantly reconfigured. This means that artists can explore and experiment to create large-scale works of art not seen anywhere else in the world.
John McGrath, artistic director and chief executive of Factory International, said: “At every stage in imagining and building this extraordinary space, we have focused on creating new possibilities – for artists to let their imaginations fly, for citizens of Manchester and the world to meet and dream, and for people of all ages and backgrounds to build skills and gain experience.”
Made up of a 21-metre-high warehouse and a flexible hall space, the venue has a capacity of up to 7,000 people standing. The warehouse is taller than four double-decker buses stacked on top of each other and just under the length of a Boeing 747 aeroplane.
Aviva Studios has been plagued by delays and cost increases since plans for the development were first approved in 2017.
Last month it was announced that the final budget for the arts and culture venue had risen to around £241m. This is £130m more than the original budget.
Manchester City Council has led the development with £99m backing from the government, as well as £7m from Arts Council England.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: “From dance and theatre to concerts and exhibitions, there will be something for everyone at this state-of-the-art new venue, which was made possible through nearly £100m of government funding.
“Aviva Studios will maximise the potential of the creative industries in Manchester and beyond, creating opportunities for local talent and bringing more world-class culture to the city.”
Aviva Studios bought the naming rights to the landmark venue in June.
It is estimated that the development will add £1.1bn to the economy of Manchester and the surrounding region over the next decade, creating or supporting up to 1,500 direct and indirect jobs.
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This internationally important venue, extraordinary in its scale and ambition, will open up a world of possibilities for people in this city – inspiring creativity and nurturing careers in the arts.”
Sir Nicholas Serota, chair of Arts Council England, added: “Aviva Studios is set to make a huge difference to the social, economic, and cultural life of people across Greater Manchester and the North, as well as attracting national and international visitors to the city.
“This extraordinary building will allow Factory International to build on its international reputation for developing and delivering world-class artistic activity and will enable young people to forge a career in the arts.”
Click any image to launch gallery
- Credit: Marco Cappelletti
- Credit: Marco Cappelletti
- Credit: Marco Cappelletti
- Credit: Marco Cappelletti
- Credit: Marco Cappelletti
- Aviva Studios completed this year. Credit: Marco Cappelletti
- Credit: Marco Cappelletti
- Credit: Marco Cappelletti
- Credit: David Levene
- Credit: Marco Cappelletti
- Credit: Marco Cappelletti
- Credit: Marco Cappelletti
- Credit: Marco Cappelletti
- Credit: Marco Cappelletti
- Credit: Marco Cappelletti
- Credit: Marco Cappelletti
- Credit: Marco Cappelletti
- TIME says Manchester is emerging as a cultural capital. Credit: Marco Cappelletti
To be honest the internal architecture is bang average and the exterior looks unfinished.
By Allergic to Squirrels
White elephant
By mcleod
Gorgeous
By Anonymous
No flytower (which is very limiting), no backstage (also very limiting) – Guardian said today it combined two auditoria, both of which would and could have been more functional separate. And it will date rapidly, and age poorly. All round not a good outcome.
By Anonymous
The inside space looks fantastic and is a welcome addition to Manchester. Such a shame it’s so inelegant and ugly on the outside.
By Anonymous
Could be better . . .
By Pete M
Externally it is disappointing but I am convinced it will be a great arts centre.
By Anonymous
Kings new clothes unfortunately; massive missed opportunity…
By anonymous
How many of Mcr’s existing arts and cultural centres have, or will be, financially affected in order to pay for this. Costing almost double the initial projected estimate, once again another George Osborne backed idea that drained the public purse like HS2.
Remember too he backed the Garden Bridge in London to the tune of £30m plus a similar amount from the ex Mayor of London ,and nothing came of it.
By Anonymous
£240m doesn’t look like it cost that much to build
By Anonymous
So its a North West venue, brilliant. Am I reading it correctly that they then get a photographer who is based in Venice & Paris to do the photography? The north West has some amazing, award winning, architecture photographers. That is a massive missed opportunity, especially if your stated aim is “nurturing careers in the arts”.
By Nurturing careers in the arts
They should have just left it to SimpsonHaugh
By Anonymous