HOME Arches exterior, MCC, c Jules Lister

HOME has dedicated 50% of the space to artists currently underrepresented in the industry, including members of the Global Majority, deaf and disabled artists, and artists from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Credit: Jules Lister

HOME’s £3.7m Arches project completes

Contractor Roberston Construction has completed the transformation of three arches on Manchester’s Whitworth Street West into a 2,800 sq ft creative space at the back of the First Street cultural and entertainment venue.

HOME hopes the scheme, designed by Jon Matthews Architects, will “democratise access to the arts” with its offer of 5,000 free hours of studio, rehearsal, and development space for creative freelancers each year.

The arches will house HOME’s artist development programme, which works with 1,000 artists every year. Funding for the £3.7m scheme came, in part, from Manchester City Council’s successful £20m Levelling Up Fund bid in 2021.

In addition, Arches Windows, a custom-built public realm exhibition space, will put artist’s work on display for those travelling down Whitworth Street West to see.

Arch 2 is to be named the ‘Sir Bob Scott Arch’, after a long-time supporter of HOME. With access directly from the venue’s rear, Arch 2 will primarily host co-working, meeting, and networking spaces for creatives.

IT facilities, a locker room, and a kitchen are also included.

Arch 1 features a 60-person multi-use studio space with blackout capability, high-level soundproofing, a dancefloor, lighting and sound rig, and showers and toilets.

Arch 3 will be a creative-making facility for up to 30 artists, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and artistic experimentation.

HOME arches, MCC, c Jules Lister

The Arches will support for flagship projects such as PUSH Festival, HOME’s biennial celebration of North West creative talent. Credit: Jules Lister

Karen O’Neill, chief executive of HOME, said: “HOME Arches will provide high-quality free space and facilities for artists to develop work, create, share ideas and continue to be supported by HOME’s Artist Development programmes.

“The investment and support for the Arches by our funders, donors and supporters confirms that Manchester values culture and the city continues to grow as a place where artists and creativity can thrive.”

She added: “HOME Arches has been a key part of our strategy for artists’ development for many years, so to be opening these new spaces in 2025, our 10-year anniversary, is really special.”

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More of this please. Carefully, needed, impactful reuse projects. The city’s culture begins at street and grass root level. Well done HOME and JMA 👏🏻 RIBA Award surely?

By Pete Swift

Always thought these arches should have been used as part of HOME from the start!

By Tony B

A very nice project, great to see life brought back here.

By Andee

Bob Scott is a bit more than a supporter of HOME. The impresario behind the Royal Exchange, the Palace Theatre and Opera House, and the prime mover of the Olympic bids that brought the Commonwealth Games. Manchester owes him much. Hope the PR Johnnies behind this get it right eventually.

By Andy Spinoza

At over £14,000.00/sq m this better be exceptional! Or in the words of Ricky your having a laught

By House Martin

@Andy Spinoza The article on HOME’s own website is a little more effusive and hints more at Scott’s achievements beyond establishing the Cornerhouse. I was at the opening event and the current Chair of the Granada Foundation spoke about the Palace, Opera House, Royal Exchange, Olympic and Commonwealth Games as well as his role in securing City of Culture for Liverpool in 2008.

By Nick Barton

Great idea and initiative but how do you justify that amount of money on that amount of limited space! Almost Factory / Town Hall like budgets……

By Saywhatyousee

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