Manchester is getting a new culture venue.
Depot, a new 10,000 capacity arts space, will open in the historic area of Mayfield. Its first event, Manchester Pride Live, will launch the venue on 24-25 August. Described as a “performance, community and studio space”, Depot is part of a regeneration plan, which will invest over £1 billion into the 30-acre site.
Alongside the main performance area, Depot will house Concourse, a smaller space designed for community-based events. Furthermore, the Archive area will host a programme of intimate gigs and act as a new rehearsal and studio space for artists.
Depot is a collaboration between Broadwick Venues, Vibration Group and The Mayfield Partnership – which comprises regeneration specialist U+I, Manchester City Council, Transport for Greater Manchester and LCR.
Richard Upton, Chief Development Officer at U+I, said, “We want to add something to the Mancunian cultural landscape which is unique not just in the city but in the UK.”
“Depot will be a place that blends the global with the local and where international stars and local school children will be able access the same quality of performance and studio space. It will be democratic and distinctive.”
“The new venue represents a major commitment to culture in Manchester and will have a significant impact in terms of attracting visitors to the city, providing a platform for local artists and a facility for the whole community to use,” Mayfield Partnership and U+I Development Director James Heather added. “Bringing it back to life is part of our commitment to finding worthwhile interim uses for spaces while long-term regeneration plans are developed.”
