Architecture studio Sheppard Robson renovates the iconic New Century Hall music venue that is located in Manchester. It is now opening up as a Grade-II listed structure as it was originally constructed back in 1963 as a conference center. It has been a location that welcomes talents including The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Tina Turner, and much more. The building's interiors have been rationalized as each of the three functions now occupies one of the three floors to be easily connected whilst retaining its own independence.
Associate partner at the studio Richmal Wigglesworth states that "Through careful and minimal intervention at New Century, we have been able to bring a challenging building back to life. Though the scheme has three distinct uses, fortifying the links between them has resulted in a symbiotic relationship – it's great to see the natural relationship between the creative college and the venue hall and how they benefit from each other."
Image Credit: Sheppard Robson
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Music Venue Restoration
- Architecture firms are restoring iconic music venues to their former glory, allowing new generations to experience their rich cultural heritage.
- Historic Preservation
- Preserving and repurposing iconic buildings can provide opportunities for innovative architecture and sustainable development.
- Multifunctional Spaces
- Designing venues with multifunctional spaces can allow for greater flexibility and collaboration between different industries and communities.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Architecture
- Opportunities for innovative architecture and preservation of historic structures.
- Entertainment
- Revitalization of historic music venues can attract new audiences and provide a unique cultural experience.
- Education
- Creative colleges and educational institutions can benefit from partnerships with multifunctional venues, fostering collaboration and cross-industry innovation.
