Construction work has begun on a new performing arts venue in Manchester.

The Factory, lauded as a 'game-changer' for the area, is expected to deliver a £1.1 billion boost to Manchester's economy over a decade.

Laing O'Rourke is serving as the main contractor on the project.

Manchester Operations Lead Tom Higgins, Laing O'Rourke, said: "We are delighted to have begun working on The Factory, a truly state of the art performing arts venue in the heart of Manchester. 

"Laing O'Rourke has the ability to drive certainty into the delivery programme through our in house capabilities along with a fully integrated supply chain and advanced digital engineering and offsite manufacturing. 

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"Early engagement with Manchester City Council led to delivering greater confidence from the client team in the buildability of such a technically challenging and complex venue. We look forward to delivering another iconic building for Manchester." 

The project will also offer 65 apprenticeships across all different aspects of the job, as well as numerous bespoke work experience opportunities and training programmes for long-term unemployed people, hard to reach residents, and Manchester based graduates. 


Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, commented: "There is no doubt that The Factory will be a game-changer. Not just for Manchester and the wider region but also, as the world-class venue it will be, for the arts world itself. 


"Providing a year-round cultural programme and limitless creative opportunities is only one part of The Factory story. 


"The opportunities it will also provide for training and learning new technical and creative industry specific skills are just as important. 


"They will be a key part both of The Factory's success and in helping guarantee a successful future for culture and the arts in Manchester and far beyond."


(CM/JG)