Manchester, UK - Leisure
The Factory is a new nationally significant arts space which introduces the most exciting global artists to audiences of up to 850,000 a year in a world class facility. Designed by its versatility, The Factory comprises two principle performance spaces which work together to facilitate, showcase, and celebrate every aspect of the cultural scene that Manchester is intrinsically linked with.
Inspired by the pioneering work of Manchester’s International Festival (MIF) the programme will focus on premieres of ambitious new work by the worlds leading creators, developed in partnership with local, national and international co producers, giving audiences in Manchester the chance to see inspiring new work first, before its global journey.
Hosting everything from major exhibitions, concerts, and performances to more intimate installations, the large warehouse space accommodates audiences of 5,000 standing with easily configurable elements. The adjoining theatre space is equally flexible, hosting circa 1600 people, and can be connected to the warehouse to form a single, supersized venue.
Bev Craig
Leader, Manchester City Council
Designed by OMA and a multi disciplinary team and constructed by Laing O’Rourke. Ryder were appointed to complete a series of technical packages as technical architect and lead designer.
The BBC marked the launch of The Factory in the “imagine…” series, shining light on Manchester’s cultural history and its influence upon the building design, with a focus on the official opening production ‘Free Your Mind’ – an immersive dance retelling of the 1999 film The Matrix, which foretold the importance of AI.
The Factory has been ranked 9th in Time Out magazine’s 23 Best Things to Do in in the World in 2023 under the headline ‘visit a new blockbuster art venue’.
