The Factory: Extra £45 million needed for ‘world’s most ambitious arts space’ in Manchester
The plan to build one of the world's "largest, ambitious and versatile" arts spaces in Manchester will cost an extra £45 million to complete following the setbacks caused by COVID-19.
The plan to build one of the world’s “largest, most ambitious and most versatile” arts spaces in Manchester will cost an extra £45 million due to setbacks caused by COVID-19.
The Factory, which is being constructed at the old Granada TV studios on Quay Street, is anticipated to generate £1.1 billion for Manchester’s economy over ten years – hosting epic concerts and performances across music, dance, theatre and opera.
But Manchester City Council said it is unable to offer further funding for the project; and is instead generating extra money via ‘national funding sources and enhanced fundraising’.
The venue will now cost a total of £186m to build and will open to the public in December 2022.
850,000 visitors a year are expected to visit The Factory – with the completed venue set to create and support 1,500 new jobs according to the council.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Factory has also been designed to “support the next generation of local talent” – with a ‘Factory Futures’ programme benefitting up to 10,000 unemployed young people.
The council have described The Factory as a “key project which will help power Manchester’s economic recovery from the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic and help usher in an exciting new chapter.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This is a project which will have enormous benefits for the city and its people.
“It’s precisely because of these difficult times that it is even more important than ever that we deliver it.”
Tom Bloxham MBE, Manchester International Festival Chair, added: “The Factory will have a major impact on the lives of people living across Manchester, and will transform the cultural scene in the UK.
“As Manchester International Festival has already shown, The Factory will also strengthen Manchester’s reputation as an internationally important centre for culture and creativity, and as a significant international destination, but like MIF it will be proudly rooted in our great city.
“The Factory will play a key role in the lives of Greater Manchester residents, building on MIF’s record of working with communities, as audiences and as participants, and bringing jobs, skills, training and creative opportunities for local people and artists, as well as commercial benefit for Manchester’s businesses.”
News
Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.
Stuart Everett – family of man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale pay tribute to ‘endearing character’
Daisy Jackson
The family of the man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale in Salford have paid tribute to him after his ‘untimely death’.
After the torso of Stuart Everett was discovered on 4 April, further parts of his body were found in four different areas of the city.
GMP launched an extensive murder inquiry and a huge search effort to correctly identify Stuart and notify his family of his death.
It’s thought the 67-year-old died at an address in Winton at the end of March.
His family have now issued a tribute to his ‘endearing character’ and thanked the public for their messages of support.
In a statement issued through GMP, they said: “We as a family are united in our grief over the devastating news of Stuart’s untimely death and the manner in which he died.
“He was a unique and endearing character who always put his family and many friends first.
“He loved his food his garden his music and a flutter on the horses, we have been overwhelmed with the messages of support and are thankful that so many people thought so much of him.
“He did not deserve to die the way he did and will be eternally missed. R.I.P.”
Two men have been charged with the murder of Stuart Everett.
The searches across Salford at sites at Blackleach Reservoir, Linneyshaw Colliery Wood, Bridgewater Canal, and a house in the Winton area of the city, as well as a warehouse in Bury, are continuing.
GMP is continuing to receive details from the public that may assist these searches. Any further information should be given by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.
If you would like to remain anonymous, details can be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.