The railway arches between the main HOME arts centre building at Tony Wilson Place and Whitworth Street West are set to be repurposed as a £3.7 million artistic development hub, providing low-cost rehearsal studios and workshops for local artists. The HOME Arches project, spearheaded by Robertson Construction, commenced recently with completion expected in May 2024.
Jon Matthews Architects has designed the transformation, which will cater to artists of various disciplines, ages, and experience levels. HOME will operate the space and has developed the business model for the project in collaboration with a group of artists.
Funding for the HOME Arches project comes partly from Manchester City Council’s successful £20m Levelling Up Fund bid in 2021. The council has allocated £2.3 million of the award to the project, while an additional £900,000 comes from the council’s own funds. HOME has also contributed £500,000 to the scheme.
Once completed, the arches will offer “affordable rehearsal and training spaces” for artists in the city. Manchester City Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig highlighted the project’s significance, stating that culture has a crucial role in Manchester’s success in terms of creativity, health and well-being, and economic growth.
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