Defence Online

Plans to build a new main entrance and café as part of a major extension of Hallé St Peter’s, the deconsecrated 19th century church in Manchester that is now home to the celebrated Hallé Orchestra, are on the verge of securing approval.Hallé Concerts Society’s full planning application to build an extension to the west of Hallé St Peter’s overlooking Cutting Room Square in Ancoats will go before Manchester City Council’s planning committee. The proposed extension would have a total floor area of 9,838 sq ft spread across basement, ground-floor, first-floor and second-floor levels.The Stephenson Studio-designed scheme represents the second phase of the transformation of the grade II-listed former church, which was built in 1859, into rehearsal, performance and education space for the Hallé Orchestra and the wider community. The first phase, involving the redevelopment of the existing building, was completed in 2013.Phase two would provide additional rehearsal facilities suitable for orchestral and choral practice as well as a 100-cover café on the ground floor, a reception, green rooms and multi-use space. The main entrance to the complex would also be relocated to the extension, ensuring one controlled point of entry for all visitors.The Royal Institute of British Architects originally launched a high-profile competition to find a design team for the proposed expansion in September 2015. And it emerged that Stephenson Studio had won the race in February 2016, having seen off competition from Caruso St John Architects, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, Flanagan Lawrence and Jamie Robert Architects.