This could be a fantastic development if the architecture is right and should bring life to a part of the city centre that has yet to be brought regenerated - particularly the white elephant of First Street.
It does rather ruin my vision of a 'theatre mile' from the Opera House on Peter Street to the Contact Theatre down on Oxford Road though. And where does that leave the Theatre Royal? In nightclub hell presumably.
My other concern would be that it takes The Cornerhouse and the Library Theatre out of major (foot) traffic areas (Oxford Street and St Peter's Square) in the city's social centre and dumps them together in what could potentially turn into a redevelopment wasteland off streets that frankly do not have much natural foot traffic (Whitworth Street West).
The new building, near the former Hacienda club on Whitworth Street West, will also house the Library Theatre, which has needed a home since moving as part of the town hall redevelopment.
Cornerhouse, which specialise in independent cinema, has faced funding problems but bosses say visitor numbers have shot up by 88 per cent over the past two years
The venue says it needs more space and will increase the number of screens from three to five in its new home.
The existing Cornerhouse building, on Oxford Road, is likely to become available for redevelopment, although firm plans have not been drawn up.
The new venue could open as early as spring 2014, and will also host a new gallery and outdoor performance space.
Cornerhouse boss Dave Moutrey said it would secure Manchester’s place as a leading culture destination.
He said: "The new facility will give us space to grow, to increase our audience and widen access to contemporary visual art and cinema.
"We’ll be able to create more opportunities for community involvement and to expand our role as a digitally connected producer."
The Library Theatre Company has been seeking a new home since moving out of their historic venue in the basement of Central Library earlier this year.
Artistic director Chris Horner said: "This is terrific news for Manchester audiences and the Library Theatre Company. It will enable the company to develop and expand its work and achieve its aspirations.
"The artistic potential of the collaboration with Cornerhouse is immense."
There had been plans to move the Library Theatre to the historic Theatre Royal, in Peter Street, but work revealed that it would cost too much to transform the listed building, which is currently used as a nightclub.
The new proposals were due to be considered by council chiefs today.
Coun Mike Amesbury said: "Manchester is committed to culture, something we see not as a luxury but as a necessity which creates jobs and other opportunities and is a fundamental part of attracting investors."
And council leader Sir Richard Leese said: "This is exactly the sort of scheme we need to get people into work, get our economy moving even faster, and show the world that Manchester is still an ambitious city."
The new venue will be on land at First Street, between Whitworth Street West and Mancunian Way. Funds for the theatre move are already in place and council papers say the remaining £3m will come from third parties and future town hall income.
The council already has an agreement in place with developers, Ask, who have been working with them on the 20-acre First Street site.
Council officers have also been working with the architects who designed the Bridgewater Hall, although the final look of the building will be decided after a contest.
New home for Cornerhouse and Library Theatre in £19m arts centre plan - Manchester Evening News
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| Manchester Confidential's vision of how the new building could look |
