New Cornerhouse to be called Home

Manchester's £20m arts centre for the merged Cornerhouse cinema and Library Theatre, due to open in 2014 at First Street, will be called Home.

"The name for the new organisation has been the subject of much discussion over the past few months," said Dave Moutrey, director and chief executive of Cornerhouse and the Library Theatre Company. "Our conversations with partners, residents and audience members threw up two contrasting aspirations for the future of the organisation – the friendly, warm and playful aspect is contained in the word 'Home'. Alongside this, many of the people we spoke to wanted the new organisation to be somewhere that challenged them and made them think. This aspect will be further developed in our visual identity, as well as in our programming, which is now starting to take shape."

Agencies O Street and Creative Concern will now develop the visual brand identity of the new building.

Moutrey added: "The name Home has come out of a detailed and collaborative research and consultation process, which involved more than 150 people including local residents, audience members and key partners from across the city, as well as an online forum where people could contribute their thoughts. They were asked about the cultural organisations they admire and enjoy, as well as what they feel the atmosphere and character of the new organisation should be. The results of the research have not only contributed to choosing a name, but are informing everything from programme development to interior design.

"Home was a word which recurred often when people were asked what the new organisation should be – a second home, somewhere you feel at home, the home of great work. It reflects the warmth felt towards Cornerhouse and Library Theatre Company, as well as the aspiration that the new organisation should be accessible and welcoming."

The building was designed by Mecanoo and will be built by Wates Construction, which has appointed architects _space architecture to complete the construction design. Mecanoo have been retained by Manchester City Council to oversee the design concept. Concrete Architectural Associates are currently working on the interior design of the new building.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: "This naming announcement is another milestone in the journey towards a new centre which will make a major contribution to the arts in Manchester, the UK and internationally. It's going to be a catalyst to creative and economic growth, stimulating investment as well as imaginations."