Redesigned Architectural Wonder: New Century Hall Unveiled
Sheppard Robson's Refurbishment Revitalizes Manchester's Grade II-Listed New Century Hall
Internationally acclaimed architectural firm, Sheppard Robson, has breathed new life into the historic New Century Hall, a 1000-capacity music venue in Manchester's heart. Originally built in 1963 for the Cooperative Wholesale Society, the venue has played host to a plethora of music legends before falling into disuse.
The Grade II-listed structure was once linked to New Century House, but Sheppard Robson's sensitive redesign has now separated the two, enabling each to function independently. The architectural practice has ingeniously opened up the structure, facilitating the harmonious coexistence of the music venue, food hall, and creative college across three floors.
The 2015 creation of public realm at Sadler's Yard significantly lowered ground levels adjacent to the hall's west elevation. This adjustment allowed Sheppard Robson to convert a previous half-basement into an entrance to the new square, further enhancing the space with new glazing and doors. A segment of the facade was carefully removed, creating a new pedestrian route connecting Sadler's Yard, Angel Square, and Victoria North.
The original curtain walling frame and glazing on the upper floor received careful repair and stabilization, in close collaboration with structural engineer Healey Consulting and contractor Russell WHBO. The tiled base structure has been meticulously cleaned, with individual mosaic tiles recovered and reused for repairs.
Internal improvements include the discreet insertion of new stairs within the existing concrete waffle structure, enhancing navigability around the building. Strategic placement of new M&E equipment has been done, with some hidden behind a new in-situ cast concrete wall to the east.
The new venue hall stairs are contained within a series of intersecting volumes, housing accommodation, escape stairs, lobbies, and storerooms. Original trapezoidal acoustic baffle lighting panels have been refurbished and rewired for modern lighting control. In-situ murals by Alan Boyson and Steven Sykes have been sensitively restored and cleaned.
Externally, the textured grey mosaic base has been repaired, with new and reused tiles to match the original design. New openings have been inserted for access to the refurbished spaces, while black anodized framing of the curtain wall rainscreen has been cleaned and refinished. Louvres have replaced some low-level glazing to accommodate a prep kitchen, with minimal modifications to the 1960s facade aesthetic.
Richmal Wigglesworth, an associate partner at Sheppard Robson, commented, "Through thoughtful and minimal intervention at New Century, we have successfully breathed life back into this challenging building. Although the scheme comprises three distinct uses, strengthening the links between them has resulted in a symbiotic relationship. It's rewarding to observe the natural synergy between the creative college and the venue hall and how they mutually benefit."
Collaborating with Sheppard Robson on this project were structural engineer Healey Consulting, services engineer Crookes Walker Consulting, cost consultant Gleeds, and contractor Russell WHBO. The client is NOMA (Federated Hermes International / MEPC).
Despite not offering extensive historical background or specific key features about the project, available information suggests Sheppard Robson's expertise in restoring historic buildings has been instrumental in revitalizing the architecturally and historically significant New Century Hall. For a more comprehensive understanding, one may need to consult specific architectural resources or directly engage with Sheppard Robson concerning this project.
The restoration project by Sheppard Robson has transformed the New Century Hall, not only serving as a music venue but also incorporating a food hall and a creative college, thereby appealing to diverse lifestyle preferences. In the home-and-garden sector, the architectural practice's intelligent redesign of the public realm at Sadler's Yard has improved the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the surrounding area.
