BIMM eyes Leftbank units

The British & Irish Modern Music Institute is preparing to open its third Manchester site, an 11,000 sq ft film school in Spinningfields.

Under the proposals, BIMM would occupy units A6 and A8 at Leftbank Tower on the corner of Water Street and New Quay Street next to the River Irwell.

BIMM’s two other Manchester facilities at Great Marlborough Street and Bank Chambers offer courses in songwriting, music performance/production, business and event management.

However, at Leftbank BIMM wants to create a film school offering degree-level courses in filmmaking, and film, business and entrepreneurship.

BIMM has requested permission from Manchester City Council to convert the units.

Once complete, the film school would span two floors comprising a screening room, three multi-purpose teaching rooms, two computer suites, a common room, a pair of meeting rooms, a sound suite, and a library.

Dara Kilkenny, executive principal of the school, said: “We considered many city centre sites…we decided on Leftbank because it is located in the middle of the city’s television and film community. Our courses provide the highest standard of industry-led education, and we will work with businesses across Greater Manchester and the North West to offer vocational training routes into careers in the creative industry. It’s also close to the old Granada TV site, which feels very apt.”

Turley is the planning consultant for the project and London-based AMP is the architect.

Unit A6 was previously occupied by restaurant Shimla Pinks and A8 was home to the Farm Group for two years before it relocated to Allied London’s ABC Buildings.

Last year, BIMM had been close to agreeing a deal to occupy Northstar in the Northern Quarter. But the move to Bywater Properties’ 12,000 sq ft block never progressed.