telstarbox
Established Member
Further news on the proposed redevelopment:
http://www.manchesterconfidential.c...r-Mayfield-Depot-Manchester-Warehouse-Project
http://www.manchesterconfidential.c...r-Mayfield-Depot-Manchester-Warehouse-Project
The Mayfield Depot Partnership plans to create a temporary three to five year cultural centre in the depot (currently owned by London and Continental Railways), a 120,000 sq. ft. events space holding a maximum capacity of 7500 and hosting a number of events, from musical events to art exhibitions, sport screenings to conferences, as Mr Drape points out, “The potential there is huge. It’s a massive space slap bang next to Piccadilly. The maximum capacity will be 7500, but to be honest you could easily double that. The only restrictions being the amount of fire exits we can put in.
"We see the Mayfield Depot as filling a gap. Between the capacity of places such as the Apollo (3500) and the Arena (23,000). A space that offers a great many number of possibilities and varying types of events. This isn't a venue that we want to see pigeonholed.
“The Manchester International Festival demonstrated what could be done with the space. Why should that be restricted to once a year?”
David Norris believes the plans will bring investment to the area, “We are taking our inspiration from the Old Truman Brewery, London; Park Avenue Armory, New York and the Gasometer in Oberhausen, Germany – all these large buildings have been reimagined into successful and significant cultural icons in their own rights, and have led to major investment in their local areas.
“Mayfield Depot could be added to that list. The sheer size and scale of the building means we can look to attract projects that will have a significant regional, national or international reputation.
“The Depot could be used to host lots of creative and innovative events around six key areas: arts, food, film, fashion and retail, sport and music. We want to work in collaboration with local, national and international organisations that will embrace Mayfield and rise to the challenge of the building.
“It is still early days for us," continues Norris. "Our application for a premises licence is in and we intend to submit a planning application by the end of October. Subject to planning, the first events could be held in summer 2014 at the Depot."